French Open24 : Djokovic, Zeverev win epics to move to 4th round , easily wins for rest top seeds

 

Novak Djokovic emerged victorious in a gruelling five-set match against Italy's Lorenzo Musetti at the French Open, the 5 set epic  concluding at 03:07 local time in Paris.

This third-round clash, delayed by rain, began at 22:37 on Saturday. The defending champion rallied from a two-sets-to-one deficit to win 7-5, 6-7 (6-8), 2-6, 6-3, 6-0.

The 37-year-old Serbian seemed on the brink of defeat against the inspired 30th seed Musetti. However, Djokovic found new momentum midway through the fourth set, securing six consecutive breaks of serve to clinch the final set.

At the end of the match, Djokovic and Musetti shared a warm embrace, with Djokovic joining the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd in applauding the 22-year-old. This match marked the latest finish in French Open history.

Djokovic's four-hour and 29-minute victory advances his pursuit of a fourth French Open title. He will face 23rd seed Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina in the last 16.

Musetti started strong, breaking Djokovic's serve in the third game. Djokovic responded immediately and won a lengthy rally to take the first set. Musetti fought back from 4-1 down in the second set, saving a set point to level the match in a tie-break. He then broke Djokovic twice in the third set, moving within one set of victory.

Despite Musetti's consistent performance, Djokovic's experience allowed him to shift gears at 2-2 in the fourth set. He sealed the win with a stunning crosscourt forehand return.

Meanwhile earlier , the fight was not easy for Alexander Zeverev too .  The German tennis star reached the fourth round after winning the five-set match.  Daniil Medvedev, Eryna Sabalenka and Elina Rybakina won the third round of the French Open.  They reached the fourth round.

  Zeverev was pitted against Dutch  Talon Greekspur.  He shocked the men's fourth seed Zeverev in the first set.  Won the game 6-3.  Zeverev was a bit shocked after losing to Rafael Nadal in the first round but was not fazed.  It can be seen in the next two sets.  Zeverev regained his form in the second set.  He won the second set 6-4 and the third set 6-2.  But Greekspur was not to be left out.  He came back in the fourth set and won  the set 6-4.  The fifth set was a tight battle.  Both players hold their serve.  As a result, the match reached a tiebreaker.  Zeverev used his experience there.  He won the match by winning the tiebreaker with 10-3 points.

 Zeverev and Medvedev lost sets, but women's second-seeded Sabalenka and fourth-seeded Rybakina won in straight sets to advance to the fourth round.  Sabalenka had to fight against Spain's Paula Badosa in the first set.  She won the first set 7-5.  Sabalenka crushed Badosa  in the second set 6-1 to move ahead.

 Rybakina's game was against Elise Martens.  Rybakina did not have to face much problem to win the match.  She won the first set 6-4 although looked below her best .  Rybakina reached the next round after winning the second set more easily 6-2.

On previous day  Carlos Alcaraz and Jannick Sinner won their matches in style to reach the 4th round with Alcaraz overcoming a strong challenge in Sebastian Korda in straight sets to prove his good form .