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Preview: Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, with 36 Grand Slam titles between them, are both just two wins away from creating more tennis history at Roland Garros but standing in the way in Friday’s semi-finals are Stefanos Tsitsipas and Diego Schwartzman. Tsitsipas is the first Greek player to reach the last four in Paris while the diminutive Argentine has put sport in perspective this week with his moving story of how his great-grandfather survived the Holocaust. Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) v Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x5) Head-to-head: Djokovic leads 3-2 Djokovic is chasing a second Roland Garros title and 18th Grand Slam to become the first man in half a century to win all four majors twice. It’s such a rare achievement that only Don Budge and Rod Laver have managed it in the history of the sport. [caption id=“attachment_8863781” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Djokovic is bidding to make the final for the fifth time and a 27th at the Slams. Image courtesy: AP[/caption] The world number one has four titles in 2020, carved out from 36 wins and just one loss - his now-infamous default at the US Open. However, is the pressure beginning to tell? He dropped his first set of the tournament in his win over Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarter-finals and required treatment on his neck and shoulders. “I had some neck and shoulder issues. I don’t really want to get too much into it. I’m feeling okay,” said the 33-year-old who was champion in Paris in 2016. Djokovic is bidding to make the final for the fifth time and a 27th at the Slams. Tsitsipas, 22 and playing in his second semi-final at the majors having also reached the last four at the 2019 Australian Open, has got stronger as the tournament has progressed. After dropping the first two sets of his opener against Jaume Munar, he has swept the next 15. Tsitsipas is bidding to become the youngest man to reach the Roland Garros final since 2008, when Nadal won the title and youngest to reach a Grand Slam championship match since the 2009 US Open, when Juan Martin del Potro won the title, 10 days short of his 21st birthday. The Greek has only met Djokovic once on clay, a straight-sets loss in the 2019 Madrid final. “An opponent is an opponent. Doesn’t matter if he is injured or not,” said Tsitsipas of Djokovic. Diego Schwartzman (ARG x12) v Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) Head-to-head: Nadal leads 9-1 Nadal, the 12-time champion, arrived in Paris virtually writing off his chances of equalling Roger Federer’s all-time record of 20 Grand Slam titles. However, the 34-year-old stands on the brink of a 13th Roland Garros final without dropping a set and having spent three and a half hours fewer than Schwartzman in getting to the semi-finals. He remains cautious over his chances at a tournament being played in the cold and chill of autumn rather than its traditional May-June slot and after finishing his quarter-final against Jannik Sinner at 01:30 on Wednesday morning, he said it was “dangerous for the body with these very heavy conditions”. Nadal’s late night on Tuesday was mostly caused by Schwartzman needing more than five hours to defeat US Open champion and third seed Dominic Thiem in five sets to reach his maiden semi-final at the majors. [caption id=“attachment_8887371” align=“alignnone” width=“640”]
Nadal is on the brink of a 13th Roland Garros final without dropping a set. Image courtesy: AP[/caption] By contrast, Nadal is in his 34th. However, Schwartzman will be buoyed by defeating Nadal for the first time in 10 attempts on clay in Rome on the eve of Roland Garros. Affectionately known as “El Peque” (“shorty”), 28-year-old Schwartzman is a mere 5ft 6in (1.68m) and the smallest player in the world’s top 50. “I was perfect today. I think I’m going to be perfect in the semi-final,” said Schwartzman, having won his first Grand Slam quarter-final after three previous failures. With inputs from AFP.
French Open 2020, Semi Final Highlights: Novak Djokovic beats Stefanos Tsitsipas to set up final against Rafael Nadal
Catch all the latest updates, live score and more on Firstpost.com’s live blog of the men’s singles semi-finals at the 2020 French Open.
 "French Open 2020, Semi Final Highlights: Novak Djokovic beats Stefanos Tsitsipas to set up final against Rafael Nadal")
Nadal vs Djokovic then
We have the men’s final then. A 56th meeting between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday. But more importantly, they will go after extending their Grand Slam tallies. Will it be No. 18 for Novak or No. 20 for Rafa? One guy would be watching for sure. A certain someonw with 20. But before all that, we have the women’s final tomorrow between Iga Swiatek, seeking her first, and Sofia Kenin, going for her second of the year. Join us tomorrow for the women’s final at 6.30 PM IST. Until then, au revoir!
What a battle this was!
What a battle!
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) October 9, 2020
Thank you, @DjokerNole & @StefTsitsipas#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/ATCjb08tUN
Novak Djokovic speaks to Cedric Pioline
Djokovic tried to stay positive and calm as the match went on. Pleased about what happened in the end.
“It is ‘House of Nadal’ but memories of winning in 2016. Will need to play the best tennis. It is the biggest challenge to play Rafael Nadal on clay at Roland Garros.”
Novak Djokovic into the final
Djokovic is into his fifth French Open final beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1 in almost four hours. There he will face Rafael Nadal. Djokovic chasing an 18th Grand Slam title, Nadal a 20th. Who will it be?
Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Novak Djokovic with brutal hitting on return of serve twice in the game and creates a match point. An hour and 43 minutes after his first. And it goes away quickly with a shank into the net. Stefanos with a possible cramp on the right leg but does enough to get a forehand winner. A double fault, though, restores the game to deuce. Stef with an ace but misses the game point with a forehand going wide. Novak with a deep serve return and has a third match point now. A winner closes the match out then!
Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 5-1 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Novak with a comfortable hold and is now a game away from the final. This has slipped away rather quickly from Tsitsipas’ grasp.
Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 4-1 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Back against the wall, Tsitsipas looking a bit weary now and Djokovic capitalising. Quickly gets into position for a big forehand return and creates break points. Gets the BREAK with a double fault.
Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 2-1 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Once again, Tsitsipas has to deal with break points as his backhand lands long. PHENOMENAL! Tsistipas pushing Djokovic, the Serb doing everything to keep the point alive but it is the Greek who plays an angled volley winner to save one break point. Djokovic gets the BREAK! An unbelievable drop shot out of nowhere to break.
Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 1-1 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Hold for Djokovic. He isn’t pushed, dropping just the one point, to keep the fifth set on serve.
Time for the first at a Slam?
Djokovic has only lost three times from match point up in his career:
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) October 9, 2020
2007 Rotterdam (Youzhny)
2009 Madrid (Nadal)
2018 Queen’s (Cilic)
Never happened in a Grand Slam
Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 0-1 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Stefanos Tsitsipas has to save a break point once again at the start of a set. A couple of low balls and Novak Djokovic sends the return long. What a rally as Tsitsipas brings up game point. One drop, then another, a lob as both players test each physically before Tsitsipas errs. The Greek comes back to hold! Another escape for Stefanos, another opportunity squandered for Nole.
Into the fifth set we go!
Apostolos is 🆙
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) October 9, 2020
After saving match point in the third, @StefTsitsipas wins the fourth 6-4 to force a final set shootout.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/3tED4Nqdlm
Reminder: Stefanos Tsitsipas came from two sets down to win this past fortnight against Munar. History to repeat itself?
Novak Djokovic has a 234-1 record when leading two sets to none.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) October 9, 2020
Lone loss was at the 2010 French Open to Jurgen Melzer.#RG20
Set 4: Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4
What an incredible turnaround! Novak Djokovic converts just one of 11 break point chances and Stefanos Tsitsipas takes the fourth set to force a decider. An hour ago, Djokovic was a point away from a straight sets win. Now? It is Stefanos with the momentum.
Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Exhibition of drop shots in that game. Djokovic with a sliding drop shot and now Tsitsipas with a better surprise with the shot. Djokovic misses two backhands in a row and Tsitsipas has a set point. TAKEN! Djokovic with a poor drop shot try and it is into the net.
Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 4-5 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Djokovic with a snap forehand and Tsitsipas attempts the volley only to see it go wide. It presents Novak with another break point and quickly denied. Novak turning defence into attack with a deep forehand and moving up for a drop to keep the game alive. Tsitsipas is relentless. One forehand cross court doesn’t do it so he goes for another. Another gutsy hold for Stef after Djokovic’s serve return lands wide. If you’re unable to keep count, Djokovic is 1/11 on break points this set.
Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 4-4 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Djokovic with a defiant forehand winner down the line to hold with ease once again. Remarkable how he can go about from one disappointing game to the next with a clean slate
Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 3-4 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Djokovic converts two break points and quickly sees them get away from him. But he has another with a fantastic backhand pass. Tsitsipas saves another break point by smashing Novak’s defensive return. Creates another as Tsitsipas is met with another by Djokovic and then a volley winner. Tsitsipas’ 115mph serve gets him out of the cage again. Suddenly Djokovic struggling to convert break points. He’s 1/10 in this set. Djokovic sends his backhand long and Tsitsipas survives once again.
Alfie and Gordon adding French Open to their Grand Slam titles won in Melbourne and New York
Grand slam set complete 🏆 Adding @rolandgarros to the 2020 collection. What a year it’s been on the doubles court with @GordonReid91 🎾🇫🇷
— Alfie Hewett (@alfiehewett6) October 9, 2020
Singles final tomorrow 10am UK time Eurosport player if there’s nothing better on 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/Rsl1FU37aZ
Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 2-3 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Stefanos Tsitsipas gets a drop shot wrong and now a backhand to suddenly hand Djokovic a break point. Huge shots from both sides helps Tsitsipas save the break point. Djokovic doing exceptionally well to keep the point going but the Greek holds on to punch a forehand winner. But misses on deuce to allow another chance. Once again the door is shut by big forehand and then a backhand winner. A deep return and drop shot combination from Djokovic brings up a third chance. Tsitsipas was under pressure with the deep return but quickly turned the point around to save another break point. Djokovic hits the net on the return and Tsitsipas holds having saved three break points.
*****chef’s kiss*
Incroyable ça
— We Are Tennis France (@WeAreTennisFR) October 9, 2020
(GIF @Eurosport_RU) https://t.co/IINRxdtP2Y
Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 2-2 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
After being broken for three straight serves, Djokovic holds. Started by conceding a point but quickly gets things in order to keep this set on serve.
Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 1-2 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
An emotionless Djokovic now 0-30 up including a gorgeous cross court winner that looked wide on the first look. Tsitsipas misses a drop shot and Djokovic has the chance to break back. One saved as Djokovic misses a backhand. Tsitsipas goes for a winner on the forehand only to overcook it. BREAK! The fourth set is back on serve
Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 0-2 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
After Tsitsipas it is Novak’s serve which is under the pump now. Tsitsipas with a gorgeous pickup on the drop shot to bring up three break points. Unbelievable! Djokovic with an uncharacteristic backhand error and Stefanos gets the BREAK! Having gone 0/10 on break points earlier, Tsitsipas is now 3/4!
Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 0-1 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Tsitsipas under a bit of bother at the start of the fourth set. Djokovic with a backhand winner to bring the game to deuce, reading the Tsitsipas drop comfortably. But Stefanos roars back with a big, big winner. Djokovic not letting the chance go by forcing Stefanos into a mistake. Tsitsipas once again goes for the drop shot but this one doesn’t go over to concede another break point. Again saved. Djokovic hits the top of the tape on the forehand and Tsitsipas can breathe again as this game ticks on. Tsitsipas with a big hold in the end as Djokovic makes an error
Set 3: Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-5
Looking down and out, Stefanos Tsitsipas gets himself out of the brink to take the third set. Saves a match point to finally get the break on 11th chance and at the most opportune time. Reels off three straight games to take the match into a fourth set
Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 5-7 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Two-in-two on drop shots to begin with for Djokovic. Tsitsipas is striking the ball very nicely all of a sudden and a backhand winner gets the tap of the racket from Novak. Tsitsipas forcing Djokovic into going for more angles, putting him under pressure and seeing the Serb’s backhand land wide. 30-30 and Tsitsipas is oozing confidence now. A low slice backhand is short and has Djokovic moving up but unable to get it up and over. All of a sudden, a set point for Tsitsipas. Saved with Djokovic playing more positive, attacking tennis now. A forehand opens up the court and a drive volley winner saves the set point to bring the game to deuce. Once again the slice, low backhand has Djokovic uncomfortable but it is the forehand that creates a second set point for Stefanos. GETS IT! Tsitsipas with a HUGE forehand winner deep into the court and the Greek takes it!
Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 5-6 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Djokovic with early in-roads into this Tsitsipas serve to go 0-30 ahead. But Tstisipas staying in it by moving Djokovic around before closing the point with a well played drop shot. Now dictates terms from the back to see Djokovic make an error. Another forced error from Djokovic brings up game point. Tsitsipas sees Djokovic’s backhand go wide and holds. What a comeback!
Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 5-5 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Novak Djokovic serving for the match. Stefanos gets lucky with the return as it trickles over and Djokovic’s angled drop shot back is wide. Tsitsipas misses a backhand and it is 15-15, the Greek is visibly upset with that shot. Djokovic with the error now, from the forehand, to see it become 15-30. Djokovic forces Tsitsipas into a defensive shot that goes long to make it 30-30. Djokovic’s drop shot attempt is into the net and Tsitsipas has a ninth break point. Looked to be a rushed drop shot – almost too eager to get the win. Tsitsipas sends the serve return long though. This one is into the Tsitsipas body and the return is into the net. Match point for Novak. Djokovic looks to find the sideline with a backhand winner but misses narrowly. Deuce once again. Djokovic gets a time violation. Tsitsipas makes no mistake on the overhead and the Greek has a break point once again. The second serve is into the net from Tsitsipas and that’s one more gone. Djokovic with great defense but not enough to get the point as Tsitsipas rides forward with a forehand winner to create another break point for himself. Finally he converts! BREAK! Tsitsipas saves match point and gets a break on 11th (!) time of asking.
Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 5-4 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
A love hold from Djokovic to keep things at even footing. But Tsitsipas is made to work hard in this crucial ninth game. From 15-30, a pumped up Tsitsipas with game point after big shots from the back. Djokovic keeps the game going with a well played drop shot. Tsitsipas is angry and frustrated as he misses a fairly routine forehand down the line. Hits the tape and Djokovic has break point. WHAT A POINT! Djokovic doing exceptionally well to reach an angled serve, then play a drop, a lob and gets the point with a deep, deep smash which Stefanos sends into the net for the BREAK. At the end of it, Djokovic is the one pumped and punching the air. He should be, he’s one game away from the final!
Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 3-4 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Djokovic mutters at his box after a fantastically placed forehand winner. A Tsitsipas volley winner gets him out of a tricky position to make it 40-30. Neat hands from Stefanos. Djokovic sends his backhand into the net and Tsitsipas holds.
Tsitsipas looking to work with the Greek Air Traffic Control?
Nobody:
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 9, 2020
Not a single soul:
The T-Rex from Jurassic Park:#RolandGarros
LIVE: https://t.co/X2kchyLHtkpic.twitter.com/NBjJABhWO3
Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 1-2 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Stefanos Tsitsipas with a confident hold with a well-placed winner. Tsitsipas hasn’t been bothered much on his serve but it is the crucial points he’s let go that is the difference in this match
Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 1-1 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
A love hold for Tsitsipas is followed by a not-so-straightforward hold for Novak Djokovic. The Serb led 40-15 before having to save a break point to make things even at the start of the third set. For Tsitsipas that’s another chance gone. He’s 0/8 on break points now
One set away…
One. Set. Away.
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 9, 2020
🇷🇸 @DjokerNole storms to a 6-3, 6-2 lead over Tsitsipas.
🎥: @rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/osgCH3TZPD
Second set: Djokovic 6-2
Novak Djokovic wins the second set 6-2 in 38 minutes and is now one set away from another match-up with Rafael Nadal. Stefanos Tsitsipas losing way in the middle, not making break points count and Djokovic has run away with this set.
Djokovic 6-3, 6-2 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Djokovic with big serves to start this serve effort. An ace brings up three set points. And another ace gets the set.
Djokovic* 6-3, 5-2 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)
Once again, Tsitsipas has thrown away the chance of a simple hold. From 40-0 up, he has allowed Djokovic to get back and a double fault gives Novak the break point. Stefanos looking down. But not giving up. A big serve sees Djokovic’s return go long. But the euphoria is only momentary as Tsistipas smacks the ball into the net from his one-handed backhand. Now misses on the forehand to give away another break. Djokovic now DOUBLE BREAK up.
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