Tennis

Novak Djokovic shatters another record as he overtakes Roger Federer for most wins at a Grand Slam Novak Djokovic did the unthinkable once again, as he came back from 2-1 sets down to defeat Francisco Cerundolo in the last 16 of the French Open. The top seed defeated the Argentine 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in a match which saw him struggle with his right knee. Novak Djokovic suffered a minor injury to his right knee halfway through the second set which impacted his mobility on the court. However, just like his victory over Lorenzo Musetti in the third round, the Serbian managed to grind out another five-set victory on Monday. By doing so, he broke the record for most wins at a Grand Slam, passing Roger Federer’s record of 369 wins. Novak Djokovic registered his 370th victory at a Grand Slam, and reached his 59th career quarterfinals at a major event. The Serbian will now face the winner of the other last 16 clash between Casper Ruud and Taylor Frirz. Novak Djokovic escapes another scare to keep French Open dreams alive Novak Djokovic found himself staring at the exit door, with a set and a break down in the fourth set. However, just like he always does, the Serbian managed to turn around things and book a place in the quarterfinals of the French Open once again. The defending champion has a lot of work to do over the course of the next two days, as his right knee looks in a poor condition. The top seed has already played two tight five-set matches over the course of the last 48 hours, which has also put a lot of strain on his physical well-being. Novak Djokovic could face Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, which could be a rematch of the finals last year. The Serbian started off his last 16 battle in a bright manner, dismantling Francisco Cerundolo in the first set. However, the Argentine came right back into the match, taking the next two sets before Novak Djokovic managed to turn things around. Also Read: “He was a bit unlucky with the draw” : Novak Djokovic believes Rafael Nadal will be back for the 2025 French Open

“I’m used to a really high standard in terms of expectations,” Novak Djokovic ‘disappointed’ after Monte Carlo exit Novak Djokovic suffered a shock defeat in the semifinals of the Monte Carlo Masters. The top seed was defeated by Casper Ruud in three sets, who will now face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the finals. Novak Djokovic continues to search for his first title of the season, however he leaves Monte Carlo with plenty of positives. The Serbian has gotten off to a sluggish start in 2024, losing in the semifinals of the 2024 Australian Open, and the third round of the Indian Wells Masters as well. The 24-time Grand Slam champion credited Casper Ruud for playing a disciplined match, and keep his nerve when it mattered the most. Novak Djokovic recovered well from a break down in the final set, however, a couple of unforced errors in his final service game handed his opponent a place in the finals. “Of course I’m disappointed to lose a match like this. It was close one. Congratulations to Casper. He played really good, especially in the beginning of the first and third, as well. I had my chances, but the last game was not great. Unforced errors and just he was solid I think until the last shot and deserved to win,” said Djokovic. “The positive thing is that I kind of managed to come back after losing the first set and really find the strength in the game,” he assessed. “So there are positives to take away from this tournament, for sure, but of course disappointed with the loss,” the Serbian said in his press conference. Novak Djokovic remains in hunt for his first title of the season Novak Djokovic admitted that by his usual lofty standards, his start to the 2024 season has not been great. However, he pointed out to the fact that he has played just three tournaments this year, which includes the Monte Carlo Masters. The Serbian hopes to build on his performance here in Monte Carlo, as he returned to the tour after almost a month. “I’m used to a really high standard in terms of expectations of the results, so not having a title is, maybe comparing to the last 15 years, not a great season at all,” he said. “But I had semis of Australia, semis here. I only played three tournaments this year [also Indian Wells], so of course it’s normal to expect that you have some seasons where you don’t start well, and this is the one,” said Djokovic. “Hopefully I can pick up, in terms of results, I can build from here, because I played some good tennis. Hopefully in the next tournaments I’ll be able to play even better,” he added. Novak Djokovic will next compete at the Madrid Masters, which commences at the end of the month. He is also expected to play the Italian Open, before he moves onto the all-important French Open. The Serbian lifted his third French Open title last time around, as he defeated Casper Ruud in the finals. Also Read: “I don’t think I am still at my top level” : Novak Djokovic gives honest verdict after storming into Monte Carlo quarterfinals

“I don’t think I am still at my top level” : Novak Djokovic gives honest verdict after storming into Monte Carlo quarterfinals Novak Djokovic stormed into the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters, following his straight sets victory over Lorenzo Musetti on Thursday. The Serbian avenged his defeat from last year, when he lost to the Italian at the Monte Carlo Masters. Novak Djokovic stated that he still feels that he is yet to reach his top level. The Serbian has not had the best start to his season, losing in the semifinals of the Australian Open and the third round of the Indian Wells Masters. Lorenzo Musetti got off to a great start against the top seed in the last 16 clash in Monte Carlo, however, Novak Djokovic quickly turned things around to win the first set. The veteran stated that things can change quite rapidly on clay courts, and a break of serve is really not a big advantage as compared to other courts. The Serbian believes that his opponent lost his focus midway through the first set, which helped him turn the tide in his favor. “It was a little exchange with the crowd at 4-3, 40/0 for him in the first set and ever since then I gained momentum. He lost focus a little bit. He was the better player for those first seven games, played some great tennis. Played really good shots and made me run. But this is clay and obviously things can turn around very quickly and a break of serve is not as a big advantage on this surface compared to the other surfaces,” said Djokovic, when asked about how he turned things around in the first set. Novak Djokovic to face Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals Novak Djokovic will face Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals on Friday. The Australian defeated the top seed at the United Cup earlier this year, as their head to head is even at 1-1. The 25-year-old has been quite a consistent performer on the tour this season, winning the Mexican Open, and reaching the finals of the Rotterdam Open a couple of months ago. As stated by Novak Djokovic, the Serbian is yet to reach his top level. He is expected to gain more confidence, and get much more lethal as the tournament progresses. “I don’t think I am still at my top level but it was a great test today against a great player, a very talented player. I lost to him last year here, similar circumstances. I was a set and 4-2 up and I must say it was in the back of my mind when I was serving at 4-2, 40/15 and lost my serve today. I thought, ‘Oh no, hopefully this is not similar scenario like last year’. I am really glad to overcome the challenge and look forward to the next one,” Novak Djokovic on his defeat to Musetti last year. Novak Djokovic should prove too much of a challenge for Alex de Minaur, who is not among the best players on clay courts. However, expect the Australian to make a strong case for himself, as Novak Djokovic would need to be at his best to secure a safe passage into the semifinals. Also Read: Novak Djokovic hopes to play Rafael Nadal one last time at the French Open: “It would be great to have another great encounter”