Top seed Novak Djokovic is one win away from capturing his first title at Roland Garros and completing the career Grand Slam.
The two-time runner-up extended his winning streak to 16 matches on clay courts this year after he defeated third-seeded Andy Murray 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 5-7, 6-1 in the semi-finals. A two-day, five-set battle lasted four hours and nine minutes.
Friday was a very hot day in Paris with on-court temperatures reaching over 30 degrees Celsius. Novak got off to a good start. He broke once in the first set and twice in the second, to take a commanding two-sets-to-love lead.
Games went with serve until the 11th game of the third set, when Murray earned his first two break point opportunities of the match. The Dunblane native broke for a 6-5 lead and served out the 56-minute set to love, prolonging the blockbuster semi-final.
Djokovic earned triple break point chance in the second game of the fourth set. Murray held for 1-1 and went on to earn triple break point on the Serb’s next service game. The crowd erupted as Andy broke for a 2-1 lead. The lead, however, was short-lived, as Nole earned two chances to get back on serve, which he did. At 3-3, the match was suspended in anticipation of a storm arriving at Roland Garros.
When play resumed on Saturday, Novak was convincing in his first two service games, winning them without losing a single point. Unfortunately, he could not repeat that in the 11th game. Murray put the pressure and made a break, earning a chance to serve it out and level the match. The Brit used the opportunity and forced a deciding fifth set.
The reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open titlist produced the big shots when it mattered most. He found the inner strength and with a double break, in the second and sixth games, sealed his place in the final.
“It was a really tough match, over four hours all together, yesterday and today. No different from any other match that we played against each other. It’s always a thriller, always a marathon,” Novak said. “Andy came up with some great shots, great points. I want to congratulate him for a great tournament and a great fight.”
Match statistics: aces (8-12), double faults (2-1), winners (56-36), unforced errors (48-48).
Novak will look to win his ninth Grand Slam championship title (8-7 overall record), when he faces no.8 seed Stan Wawrinka (17-3 H2H record) on Sunday at 15:00 CET.
The Swiss defeated Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets, 6-3, 6-7 (1), 7-6 (3), 6-4.
“I think I will be fine for the final,” said Djokovic, hoping it will be third time lucky (l. to Nadal in 2012 and 2014). “Whatever I have left in me I will put out on the court tomorrow and hopefully it can be enough.”
Photo: Getty Images
