‘I was a bit unlucky against Novak Djokovic in Paris’

Stefanos Tsitsipas is getting ready for the season’s first Main, reaching the Australian Open semi-final two years in the past and looking for one other deep run in a few weeks. Stefanos reached the second Main semi-final in Paris final 12 months, taking part in on a excessive stage and pushing Novak Djokovic to the bounds earlier than falling in 5 units, battling a leg damage.

Djokovic prevailed 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1 in three hours and 54 minutes for the twenty seventh Main closing and the fifth in Paris and the primary since 2016. Tsitsipas was there to battle within the opening two units, dropping the essential factors to fall behind and saving a match level at 4-5 within the third to increase the encounter.

The Greek stole that set and seized the fourth after keeping off ten out of 11 break possibilities, overpowering Novak earlier than operating out of fuel within the closing set. Tsitsipas adopted Djokovic’s tempo within the mid-range and most prolonged exchanges, dropping floor within the shortest rallies as much as 4 strokes.

Novak scored eight breaks and suffered 4 breaks, beginning throughout in set quantity 5 to cross the end line first and stay on the title course. Stefanos wasted 4 break possibilities within the opener’s opening sport and suffered one break at hand the set to Novak.

The Serb earned two breaks in set quantity two and seemed good to seal the deal in straight units. Djokovic grabbed a break at 4-4 within the third set, serving for the victory in sport ten. Stefanos saved a match level and transformed the eleventh break alternative to stage the rating at 5-5 and prolong the conflict.

Stefanos Tsitsipas feels produ about how he fought in opposition to Novak Djokovic in Paris.

The teenager held at 30 within the eleventh sport to maneuver in entrance and transformed the second set level at 6-5 with a forehand down the road winner to power the fourth set.

The Greek labored laborious to fend off ten out of 11 break possibilities in set quantity 4 and stay in contact after forging an early 2-0 benefit. Stefanos fended off eight break alternatives in video games 5, seven and 9, forcing Novak to serve for staying within the set.

The Serb could not endure the stress, losing two sport factors and struggling a break following a unfastened drop shot at hand the set to the Greek. Beginning throughout, Djokovic scored three straight breaks within the closing set to maneuver excessive, setting the final word conflict in opposition to the clay king Rafael Nadal.

“It was unhappy that it ended that manner. However on the similar time, I am proud as a result of I fought very laborious. I used to be the decided Stefanos; I used to be the Stefanos that went out and was totally targeted and dedicated to my work and my craft; that was wonderful.

Roland Garros was a wonderful match; I actually hope I’ve extra like this sooner or later, and possibly a bit bit extra luck, that would not damage both,” Stefanos Tsitsipas mentioned.