Novak Djokovic(1) quickly retrieved the single break of serve in the early stage of the opening set against the solid Italian player Lorenzo Musetti, seeded 30 in the tournament. The score board read 2 games all when Djokovic served in the 5th game, and it was in this game wherein he had better control of the drop shot. Coming into this match pundits of course recalled these two players’ meeting in the same event in 2021 where Musetti led by 2 sets to love before Djokovic rallied back and Musetti retired in the 5th. The fact that he had set up a rematch was almost expected. He has notable memories he has managed to create thus far in his career versus the current world number 1. He beat him on the clay surface in Monte Carlo last season; what was an emotional first win for him over the Serbian.
At 3-3/deuce in the opening set it was clear to Djokovic that it may be a long night of tennis he had to brace himself for. Musetti’s court coverage was incredible. Both he and Djokovic had pin-point accuracy at landing their shots on the lines. Musetti had the slight edge over Djokovic up at the forecourt. He is the kind of opponent Djokovic knows to guard against making forced errors.
Earlier on the same court Grigor Dimitrov(10) completed his match against Zizou Bergs. He needed 4 sets to move on to the next round. The Belgian player hardly posed a serious threat to Dimitrov’s game ultimately. Dimitrov certainly had more of a well-rounded skill-set and had the experience to get the win over Bergs.
Alexander Zverev(4) was also in action earlier on and he was taken all the way to 5 sets by Tallon Griekspoor(26). The Dutchman was 2 breaks of serve up on the German in the 5th set in a match that served all the drama, but he was unable to consolidate the second break and go on to close out the match. His serve completely broke down at the desired time for him and Zverev not only managed to get back on serve but played a focused tie-break set to win in the end. Mentally it seemed that Griekspoor could not handle the moment of having been that close to that big of a win at this stage of the tournament. Zverev won 3-6 6-4 6-2 4-6 7-6(10-3) after 4hrs 14’.
Back on the Djokovic/Musetti match, Djokovic continued to vary his shot-making by producing two drop shots in the 11th game and held at love. In the following game, Musetti tried to serve to force the tie-break but was met with 2 set points to fend off. The last point of the set was absolutely for the highlights reel. The Musetti serve is not usually the toughest to deal with considering pace although he tends to do well in placement during key points. He went for the wide serve on the last point but Djokovic, as sure as he is a good returner of serve returned it. The rally lasted 21 shots and had slices, angled shots and everything in between including a stunning lob and an even better return by Djokovic before Musetti’s backhand shot went long to end the rally. Djokovic won the first set by 7 games to 5.
During the 4th game of the second set Djokovic squandered the first break point he had by landing his shot in the net. Musetti then came up with good serving to save the next one but Djokovic broke serve despite the Italian’s efforts in that game. It was a tough ask to try to save 3 break points. Musetti’s hustle was rewarded when he had 2 chances to break back at 2-4/15/40. Some of Djokovic’s shots began looking rather tired and the backhand error to end the 7th game allowed Musetti to get back on serve in the ongoing set. No player had clear momentum at this stage of the match at 4 games a piece. What had been clearer at that stage of the match is that Djokovic as the aggressive player was forced into errors due to Musetti’s outstanding defensive play behind the baseline. Djokovic held serve not without difficulty for a slight 5-4 lead. The second set ultimately went to a tie-break. Musetti came alive in the breaker. He was the better player the longer their rallies wore on. He led 3-0 in the tie-break but Djokovic came up with solid serves to gain two points on the score board. When the players changed ends they were tied at 3 all. It was nail-biting action now. Djokovic did arrive at a set point but credit to his opponent who was brave enough to still go for his shots amid the challenge he was facing. The players changed ends again tied at 6 all this time. Musetti won the tie-break and it was all trouble for the world number one when Musetti consolidated an early break in the third set to lead 4-1. Musetti went on to win the third set by converting one of the three break points he had on the Djokovic serve during the 8th game. He won the set 6-2.
The fourth set saw Djokovic dig a little deep early on and he got the break of serve to serve at 3-2. He consolidated the break to lead 4-2. An ace in that game and a solid forehand volley gave him a fairly comfortable hold. Musetti was still not letting up as the underdog and potential upsetter in this clash. His energy was still quite good but in the very next game he faced two break points and an error in his unreturned backhand shot gave Djokovic a two break lead. Djokovic was unable to serve out the set though. He instead took the set on the Musetti serve after an up and down turning of emotions, certainly at the perspective of the crowd at the sight of the amazing ground strokes both players produced. The score board read 7-5 6-7 2-6 6-3 Djokovic.
After over 3hrs of play the two players were still playing at a high level, wowing the crowd with their cat-and-mouse at the net. Djokovic was up by two breaks of serve, serving to consolidate at 4 love in the 5th, but no one in their right mind would write off Musetti yet. The world number 1’s experience really paid off for him. He has faced many moments similar and tougher opponents before. Djokovic won the match by winning the final set 6-0 after an incredible fight back. In his post match on-court interview he gave all the praise to Musetti, saying he was the better player for the better part of the first 3 sets, and at one point he just had no answers to his game. He was playing unbelievably well. He also thanked the crowd for urging him on when his energy was low and he was able to come through that. This encounter was definitely one for the books.
In other results Holger Rune(13) won his match against Jozef Kovalik 7-5 6-1 7-6(2).
Aryna Sabalenka(2) beat Paula Badosa 7-5 6-1.
Elena Rybakina(4) beat Elise Mertens(25) 6-4 6-2.
Daniil Medvedev(5) beat Tomas Machac 7-6(4) 7-5 1-6 6-4.
Emma Navarro(22) beat Madison Keys(14) in two tie-break sets.
