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Djokovic survives Davidovich Fokina battle to reach French Open fourth round
CGTN
Novak Djokovic in action during the French Open men's singles third round in Paris, France, June 2, 2023. /CFP
Novak Djokovic in action during the French Open men's singles third round in Paris, France, June 2, 2023. /CFP

Novak Djokovic in action during the French Open men's singles third round in Paris, France, June 2, 2023. /CFP

Twice champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia survived a scare to reach the French Open fourth round with a 7-6(4) 7-6(5) 6-2 win over Spanish 29th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Friday, setting up his next match against Juan Pablo Varillas of Peru.

Djokovic, who is aiming to leapfrog injured champion Rafa Nadal and win a record 23rd Grand Slam title, came into the match on Court Philippe Chatrier having lost to Davidovich Fokina the last time they met in Monte Carlo.

Djokovic was given an early reminder of his struggles in that 2022 match by the man-bun sporting Davidovich Fokina, who had the world No.3 tied up in knots with some heavy hitting and breathtaking drop shots.

Djokovic creaked on serve but hit back when it mattered to level at 3-3 and edged the 83-minute first set with a blistering crosscourt winner that drew huge roars.

A charged-up Djokovic responded to an early break with two of his own but dropped serve again in the wildly swinging second set, before shrugging off three double faults at 5-5 and a time violation to double his advantage in another tiebreak.

He called the trainer onto court for an apparent left leg issue, sparking fears the injury that accompanied his run to the Australian Open title in January had returned, but pulled away in the third set and crossed the finish line in style.

"I knew it was going to be a very difficult match, a very physical match," Djokovic said. "We played three hours for only two sets. He contested very well," said Djokovic.

"He is an amazing fighter and an amazing player. He has very few weaknesses in his game. Congratulations to him for fighting. Bad luck, but he played a great match."

"A win is a win. The first two sets, three hours, I thought if I lose the second set, I will probably be playing five hours today.”

"You have to be ready. That is what Grand Slams are all about, playing best of five. You have to believe in yourself and make the most out of it. I am proud of the performance today," he added.

(With input from Reuters)

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