French Open: Novak Djokovic - "I thought it was good to lose the first two sets"
Novak Djokovicspoke about the Italian Lorenzo Musetti about his emotional state during the match after his crazy round of 16 success. And brought amazing things to light in the process.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jun 07, 2021, 11:09 pm
Those attentive pursuers of international tennis who were only able to attend the round of 16 duel between Novak Djokovic and Lorenzo Musetti with a delay of two and a half hours probably never realized in the next 60 minutes why this young Italian was leading a two-set lead against Novak Djokovic had to book.
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Well, of course Lorenzo Musetti struggled with physical problems as the game progressed. Nevertheless, it was a show of power by the world number one who celebrated one of the clearest victories that is even possible after a 2-0 set deficit. "It is unfortunate for a young player like him that he led two sets to zero in his first quarter-finals on center court and was physically unable to maintain the level to give himself at least one chance at this match win ", declared Djokovic after his progression.
Musetti has to give up
In fact, the 19-year-old's physical discomfort became so severe towards the middle of the fifth set that Musetti had to end the match early when the score was 4-0. Before, namely in the first two sentences, the picture at Court Philippe-Chatrier was completely different: The Italian delivered a powerful test of talent - but also benefited from an unusually error-prone Djokovic.
Following his progression, the Serb communicated fairly clearly that he had felt very uncomfortable: "I actually felt more nervous when I started the match when I was two sentences behind. To be honest, I thought it was good that I lost the first few sets because I just, I don't know, I just played with a certain amount of tension and wasn't able to keep up my punches, made too many unforced mistakes, and just got on with the first two sets didn't feel well, "said Djokovic, who will now meet Matteo Berrettini.
Djokovic likes to play best-of-five
Meanwhile, there is no trace of a fear of losing the game after a 2-0 set deficit. On the contrary: "I said earlier that I like to play against young players in best-of-five matches because I have the feeling that even if they lead to zero in a set or two, as was the case today "I still have a good chance because I feel like I'm physically fit and I know how to wear my opponent down in a best-of-five match."
In particular, the experience advantage is highlighted by the world number one as a great advantage over the boys: "I have won the most five-set matches that I have played in this tournament and in my career, so I think that experience helps," said Djokovic , who is already very much looking forward to the duel with the next Italian, Matteo Berrettini: "You have to play your best level to have a chance."