French Open 2020: Djokovic beats Tsitsipas, dream final against Nadal on Sunday
Novak Djokovic reached the final of the 2020 French Open with big problems. The world number one defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6: 3, 6: 2, 5: 7, 4: 6 and 6: 1 On Sunday, the twelve-time title holder Rafael Nadal , who was able to assert himself against Diego Schwartzman in three sets, is waiting in the final.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Oct 09, 2020, 10:37 pm
Grand Slam title number 20 for Rafael Nadal or major triumph number 18 for Novak Djokovic - this question will be clarified on Sunday in the final of the French Open 2020. A favorite position can hardly be made out: While the record winner in Roland Garros was able to prevent a late comeback against Diego Schwartzman, winning 6: 3, 6: 3 and 7: 6 (0), Novak Djokovic had to go into overtime after an initially clear match .
The man from Belgrade dictated almost three sentences at will from the baseline, keeping Tsitsipas running all the time. And fended off the break opportunities of his opponent concentrated. Even with cleverly placed stops, one of Djokovic's favorite stylistic devices during the last few days in Paris. So the number one in the world and the tournament also got the supposedly last break of the match to 5: 4 in the third set: The stop brought Tsitsipas to the net, followed by a volley praise, with the Smash Djokovic won the point. But then had to counter three Tsitsipas breakballs again. It was the ninth, tenth and eleventh chance of the reigning ATP world champion. Stefanos Tsitsipas said "thank you" at the last one, equalizing to 5: 5. After he previously had to fend off a match point.
Nadal has won the last three matches against Djokovic on clay
A few moments later, Tsitsipas suddenly even had a set ball, Djokovic defended offensively. But Tsitsipas used his second chance with a terrific forehand shot. The fourth set started with a break ball for Djokovic, Tsitsipas was able to hold his serve, then moved away to 2-0. And had to accept Djokovic's re-break right away. The favorite missed several opportunities in the seventh and ninth games when his opponent served - Stefanos Tsitsipas only needed one chance to equalize the set. Because Djokovic put a stop in the network.
In the decision, Djokovic was the first to strike, taking a break to make it 2-1. And with the next to 4: 1. Stefanos Tsitsipas could not recover from this. The 22-year-old was now at the end of his strength. After 3:54 hours of play, Djokovic made it into the final with 6: 3, 6: 2, 5: 7, 4: 6 and 6: 1.
On Sunday, Novak Djokovic is now about his second success at the French Open after 2016. At that time, he defeated Andy Murray in the final. Rafael Nadal, on the other hand, is already on track number 13 on the Bois de Boulogne. In the overall balance of the two superstars, Djokovic leads with 29:26 wins. However, Nadal won the last three duels on clay. Most recently in Rome in 2019.
Here the single tableau in Paris
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