In a dramatic turn of events, 24-time Major champion Novak Djokovic faced uncertainty heading into today’s Olympic Games semi-final clash against Lorenzo Musetti. The Serbian star, who felt pain in his right knee during his quarter-final match against Stefanos Tsitsipas, trained on Court Philippe-Chatrier just a few hours before the crucial duel, giving hope to his fans.
Djokovic’s struggle became apparent as he took the court against Tsitsipas, requiring a medical timeout and falling behind 4-0 and 5-2 in the second set. Despite the odds stacked against him, the resilient Serb mounted a comeback, saving three set points in a tense ninth game to clinch a 6-3, 7-6 victory.
Facing uncertainty about his fitness for the next match, Djokovic expressed his determination to compete against the Italian Musetti, aiming for a spot in the final and a shot at his second Olympic medal. The Serbian star showcased his dominance over Tsitsipas once again, extending his winning streak to 11 consecutive matches since the end of 2019.
In the intense semi-final showdown, Djokovic displayed his trademark precision and skill, breaking Tsitsipas early on and maintaining a commanding lead throughout the first set. Despite facing challenges in the second set, including a temporary loss of momentum and a deficit of two games, Djokovic fought back with characteristic tenacity.
As the match reached a critical juncture, Djokovic capitalized on Tsitsipas’ errors, reclaiming lost ground with strategic plays and timely winners. The Serbian star’s resilience proved crucial as he navigated through a nail-biting tie-breaker, ultimately securing a straight-sets victory and staying on course for a shot at the gold medal.
With his eyes set on a historic Olympic Games final appearance, Djokovic will look to overcome the obstacles that have thwarted him in three previous semi-final attempts. The Serb’s unwavering focus and determination have propelled him towards the pinnacle of Olympic success, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to his Tokyo campaign.
