World number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia and world number four Alexander Zverev won five set thrillers at the 2024 French Open on Monday. Djokovic defeated Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina, the 23rd seed, 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in the fourth round, while Zverev defeated Holger Rune of Denmark, the 13th seed, 4-6, 6-1, 5-7, 7-6, 6-2. In both matches, Djokovic and Zverev were down two sets to one before coming back to win. In the fourth set tiebreak between Zverev and Rune, Zverev won 7-2.
Knee may be an issue for Djokovic
In Djokovic’s win over Cerundolo, his knee was an issue as he called for the trainer on multiple occasions. That will be something to follow as the French Open moves along this week. It has already been reported by the Associated Press that he may not compete in his quarterfinal match on Wednesday against Norway’s Casper Ruud.
Key statistics in Djokovic’s win
Djokovic was the better server. He had six aces compared to three for Cerundolo. Djokovic also broke Cerundolo six times in 11 opportunities. Cerundolo broke Djokovic four times in 19 chances. It was Djokovic’s 370th grand slam victory. That passes Roger Federer of Switzerland for the most grand slam wis all-time.
Second straight five set match
On Saturday night and Sunday morning in Paris, Djokovic defeated Lorenzo Musetti of Italy, the 30th seed, 7-5, 6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-0. This match was noteworthy because it ended after 3 am in France. That was the latest a match has ever been played at Roland Garros.
Alexander Zverev’s French Open run
Like Djokovic, Zverev has won two marathon matches at Roland Garros. In Zverev’s win over Rune, Zverev had 16 aces and broke Rune eight times. In the third round, Zverev beat the 26th seed Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6. In the fifth set super tiebreak, Zverev won 10-3. It does not seem that Zverev’s court case in Germany is bothering him too much at this time. Next up for Zverev is Australia’s Alex de Minaur, the 11th seed.
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