Djokovic beats Musetti in 03:07 finish in Paris

Novak Djokovic came done a five-set epic against Italy's Lorenzo Musetti astatine nan French Open, which ended astatine 03:07 section clip successful Paris.

In a third-round title that did not get nether measurement until 22:37 connected Saturday, towards nan extremity of a rain-affected time astatine Roland Garros, nan defending champion fought backmost from 2 sets to 1 down to triumph 7-5 6-7 (6-8) 2-6 6-3 6-0.

The 37-year-old from Serbia appeared to beryllium connected nan brink of exiting nan tourney astatine nan hands of an inspired Musetti, nan 30th seed.

But a rejuvenated Djokovic recovered caller momentum midway done nan 4th set, reeling disconnected six consecutive breaks of service to unit - and past easiness to triumph successful - a decider.

Unsurprisingly, fixed nan quality of their late-night battle, location was a lukewarm clasp betwixt nan brace astatine nan conclusion of nan lucifer and Djokovic joined nan Court Philippe Chatrier crowd successful applauding his 22-year-old force from nan Paris clay.

Victory successful 4 hours and 29 minutes continued nan world number one's bid for a 4th French Open crown and he will play 23rd seed Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina successful nan past 16.

As a teenager, Musetti pushed Djokovic adjacent successful nan 4th information astatine Roland Garros successful 2021 earlier retiring injured successful nan 5th set.

The 22-year-old started quickly connected this juncture too, breaking service successful nan 3rd crippled of nan match, though Djokovic instantly responded successful benignant and past outlasted his force successful a lengthy rally to person his first group point.

But Musetti fought backmost from 4-1 successful nan 2nd group and saved a group constituent connected Djokovic's service successful nan tie-break connected his measurement to levelling nan match, earlier past breaking doubly successful nan 3rd group to move wrong 1 of victory.

At 2-2 successful nan fourth, while Musetti's level hardly dropped, Djokovic drew connected his galore years of acquisition to find an other cogwheel and triumph was wrapped up pinch a stunning crosscourt forehand return winner.