06/03/2024 4:40 p.m.Updated on 06/03/2024 7:09 p.m.
Francisco Cerúndolo (27th) invited the Argentine people to dream by beating Novak Djokovic (1st), play him as equals and almost beat him. If it didn’t happen, more than because of some shortcoming in the porteño’s tennis, it was because in front of him there was a competitive animal that did not give up even at the bottom (he was losing 2-1) and ended up winning by 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5 and 6-3 after 4h39m. Once the battle was over, one of the best seen at Roland Garros 2024, a Nole who ended up sore and He questioned his participation in the quarterfinals (“I don’t know if I will be able to get on the court and play,” he said) He took a minute to praise his rival.
Before talking about the tremendous support he received from the French public, impressed with the resistance of Novak who overcame falls and ailments to prevail on the court, the winner wanted to talk about the Argentine. “Cerúndolo was unlucky, because he deserved to win and he was the best throughout the game”began when speaking with ESPN.
“I had the energy of the public, I asked for it, because I needed it. I needed a push. I started very well, then something happened to my knee and I even had to take an anti-inflammatory. I don’t know what it is, I’ll wait until it cools down to see how it is, but I feel for Francisco. He is a great person and I wish him the best.“, completed the world No. 1.
Djokovic, like the rest of those present, said goodbye to Cerúndolo with applause. (EFE)
Djokovic, from going down to getting bigger at Roland Garros
Nole, who arrived at Roland Garros with more doubts than certainties (without conquests in the season and with a few defeats as early as they were unexpected), came from a four and a half hour duel with Lorenzo Musetti (30th) that finished at 3 in the morning and had another very long day against Cerúndolo.
“Nine hours between the last two games”said an exhausted Djokovic who will have to rest and immediately set his sights on the quarterfinals: His next rival will be the Norwegian Casper Ruud (7th)who defeated the American Taylor Fritz (12th) 7-6 (6), 3-6, 6-4 and 6-2.
Novak Djokovic’s euphoria after his victory against Cerúndolo in the round of 16 at Roland Garros. (AP)
