French Open: Injured Djokovic stages epic comeback in five-set thriller

Novak Djokovic staged a dramatic comeback to clinch a notable fourth-round victory at the French Open against Francisco Cerundolo on Monday, June 3. The intense match lasted four hours and 39 minutes, taking place on a fully packed Philippe Chatrier court, just a day after Djokovic concluded another match at a record-breaking 3 am finish at Roland Garros.

The quick turnaround left Djokovic with little time to recover from the previous match’s physical demands. Nonetheless, he dug deep to triumph with a scoreline of 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, overcoming the Argentinian Cerundolo, who missed a crucial chance to secure the match.

“Three or four times I was points away from losing this match, and I want to thank my opponent,” Djokovic said, acknowledging Cerundolo’s performance. “He deserves so much applause, that’s for sure. I’m not sure how I won this match again,” he added.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion began the match in commanding fashion, breaking Cerundolo in the fourth game and winning the first set. However, Cerundolo found his stride towards the end of the set and carried that momentum into the following sets.

Early in the second set, Djokovic felt discomfort in his left leg and took a medical timeout, where he was seen holding his knee. Despite the treatment and the crowd’s support, Djokovic struggled, losing the second set as Cerundolo converted the 13th break point of the match.

The third set saw Djokovic further outplayed, with Cerundolo skillfully constructing points and leaving Djokovic unable to respond effectively. This set ended in favor of the Argentine, putting Djokovic in a precarious position.

However, Djokovic rallied in the fourth set, breaking Cerundolo in the eighth game and shifting the momentum in his favor. Cerundolo, who had been close to an unexpected victory, could not regain control, allowing Djokovic to force a deciding set.

In the final set, both players broke each other’s serve early on, but Djokovic ultimately took control. Despite a fall on the clay and a few heated exchanges with officials, Djokovic maintained his composure to secure the win, setting up a quarter-final clash against either Taylor Fritz or Casper Ruud.

This victory marked Djokovic’s 370th Grand Slam win, surpassing the record he previously shared with Roger Federer.