French Open: Novak Djokovic completes comeback to beat Lorenzo Musetti in fourth round

The world number 1 was on the back foot in the opening two sets as the Italian teenager delivered a performance for the ages.

Novak Djokovic in a file photo. (Image: Twitter/ATP Tour)
By Nilavro Ghosh | Jun 7, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Novak Djokovic staged an impressive comeback to win against Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round of the 2021 Roland Garros. The scoreline at the end of the match read 6-7, 6-7, 6-1, 6-0, 4-0, with the Italian choosing to retire in the final set. The world number 1 was on the back foot in the opening two sets as the Italian teenager brought out his absolute best game. However, the Serbian composed himself in the final three sets of the match and comfortably took them all. It was an inspiring performance from the Italian as he received a thundering applause as he made his way out of the Philippe-Chatrier court. He also received a long-standing ovation from Djokovic at the end of the match.

Musetti was in top form right from the beginning of the match. He took both opening sets to a tie-breaker and showed immense composure to win them both. Djokovic himself was having a very difficult time getting into his rhythm. The Serbian mishit a couple of shots that were sent flying high in the air, only to be perfectly smashed back by Mulsetti. He even failed to make contact with one of the Italian’s serves. Pinpoint returns characterized the teenager’s game in the first two sets.

Djokovic’s stunning comeback

However, once the world number 1 got into the groove, there was no turning back. The Serbian might not play mind games with his opponents but the level of his game disoriented Musetti. Djokovic moved around the pitch with the poise of the champion and before he knew it, Musetti was on the backfoot.

The duo conceded two double faults each but Djokovic managed to score 11 aces, compared to just one by Musetti. The Serbian had a 75% win percentage on the first serve, a lot higher than Musetti’s 50%. The Italian did gain some ground on the second serve, but Djokovic’s win percentage was still higher at 57%, while the Italian’s was 56%.

The world number 1 also converted all of his nine available break points while Musetti could only manage to convert two out of four. He won an incredible 19 service games whereas the Italian won 11.

Djokovic will face ninth seed Matteo Berrettini in the quarter-final of Roland Garros.