Francisco Cerúndolo was the protagonist of the day Roland Garros. The world number 23 lost to Novak Djokoviccurrent champion, for 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5 and 6-3 in four hours and 37 minutes of gameplay. The Argentine failed to hit the mark and was eliminated in the round of 16 of the Grand Slam.
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Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 3, 2024 Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in action during his fourth round match Serbia’s Novak Djokovic REUTERS/Yves HermanBy: REUTERS
Djokovic took the first set 6-1
Novak Djokovic made his favoritism weigh at the beginning of the match and took the title 6-1 against Francisco Cerúndolo who was erratic and could not show the tennis he had imposed during the first round.
Cerúndolo came back in the second set and won 7-5
In the second set, Cerúndolo found his game again and gave the Serbian a tougher match, who had to ask for a doctor for a few minutesdue to discomfort in his right leg.
From that moment on, it was noticed that Djokovic was having a hard time moving on the court. The Argentine did not let up due to good serves and a forceful forehand he took the second set 7-5.
Cerúndolo won the third set 6-3
The third set started favorably for Cerúndolo, who managed to break the Serbian and went up 3-0, against a visibly upset Djokovic, who couldn’t find his game.
The Argentine became strong from the serve and began to handle the points with more patience, taking advantage of the physical issue of the Serbian who seemed very tired, far from his usual performance.
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 3, 2024 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic receives medical attention during his fourth round match against Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo REUTERS/Yves HermanBy: REUTERS
Djokovic woke up and won the fourth set
The Serbian left behind the pain he was suffering in his right leg and showed his best version in a match that was difficult for him. Nole battled to take the match to the fifth set after winning 7-5 against the Argentine.
Cerúndolo’s dream is over
The Argentine failed to make the breakthrough and in the fifth set, the Serbian showed all his talent and took it 6-3 after four hours and 37 minutes. Novak will now play against the winner of the duel between Taylor Fritz (12th) and Casper Ruud (7th).
How Djokovic and Cerúndolo arrived
For its part, The Serbian had to suffer against the Italian Lorenzo Musetti, after being two sets down. It was Djokovic’s 369th victory at a Grand Slam event, tying Roger Federer for the most in tennis history. The Serbian star will be able to break the mark on Monday, when he faces the Argentine Francisco Cerúndolo in the round of 16.
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 3, 2024 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his fourth round match Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo REUTERS/Yves HermanBy: REUTERS
“I think it is a nice challenge, a reward for me, because I have never played against him and I don’t know if I will have the opportunity to face him again in the future. I will face it with the best enthusiasm, because I have faith in him, I want to feel what it is like to play against the best,” said the Argentine before the match.
