Novak Djokovic lets out guttural scream after setting up French Open semifinal against Rafael Nadal
The Serbian, bidding for his 19th Grand slam title, was forced to dig deep to hold back the resurgent Berrettini, eventually winning 6-3 6-2 6-7 (5) 7-5.
The match looked like a format for Djokovic, who made it past the opening two sets but Berrettini bounced back in the third round to create a thrilling end to the quarterfinals, even seeing the tennis player. No. 1 in the world cut his arm after a dramatic fall.
Both players also faced a break midway through the fourth set and supporters were forced to leave under Paris’s 11pm Covid-19 curfew.
A group of fans remained seated and booed the instructions, forcing both players to leave the field until the stadium was empty.
Despite the distraction, fiery Djokovic took advantage of the third match point in the fourth set, sparking eye-popping celebrations towards his box.
“This match has it all: falls, crowds, crashes,” Djokovic told reporters after the match. “It was a lot of intensity. I just felt tense the whole time and missed several opportunities to finish it in three.
“It’s just super, super stressful being constantly under pressure […] the final reaction was just me to release the tension that had been building up during the match. “
Next Nadal
Djokovic will face Rafael Nadal on Friday for a place in the final at Roland Garros. The pair have had a fierce rivalry throughout their careers with Djokovic leading the way 29-28.
However, Nadal is dominating on clay and won his 13th French Open title last October by beating Djokovic in the final.
“It’s like no other match. Let’s face it, it’s the biggest challenge you can have playing clay with Nadal on this court. It’s no bigger than that,” Djokovic said later. when he won the quarterfinals.
“There’s added tension and expectations. The feeling of walking on the pitch with him is different. But that’s why our rivalry has become history, I think for the sport. .
“I’m confident. I believe I can win, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. Let’s have a great battle.”
