“He still has this hatred of defeat,” Fabrice Santoro heaps massive praise on Novak Djokovic for fighting till the end against Francisco Cerundolo at 2024 Roland Garros

The Serbian won the match in five sets despite injury concerns.

“He still has this hatred of defeat,” Fabrice Santoro heaps massive praise on Novak Djokovic for fighting till the end against Francisco Cerundolo at 2024 Roland Garros

Fabrice Santoro, Novak Djokovic (Images via Imago)

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic fought his heart out in his pre-quarterfinal match at the 2024 Roland Garros. The 37-year-old not just fought against his opponent but also against injuries that kept troubling him throughout the match. The fatigue of playing a five-setter against Lorenzo Musetti in the third round kept Djokovic’s fitness in check.

However, despite all the odds and trailing 1-2 at the end of the first three sets, Djokovic fought back and clinched a sensational win to book a spot in the quarterfinal. The 24-time Grand Slam champion beat Cerundolo 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 and got one step closer to defending his title in Paris.

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This fighting spirit of Djokovic earned the Serbian ace massive praise from former French tennis player Fabrice Santoro. The tennis expert hailed the 37-year-old for not giving up till the very end. Santoro claimed that Djokovic still hates losing and credited his attitude for the Serbian’s 24 Grand Slam titles.

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He still has this hatred of defeat. Once again today, he came very close to the precipice, he suffered enormously. He called the physiotherapist numerous times but still found a way through an extremely narrow path. It's fantastic and it's no coincidence that he won 24 Grand Slam titles. Despite the suffering, where some would have given up, some would have left the fourth set or the fifth, he fought, took his time, went to dry off, to breathe. He made a huge effort to stay in this match and ultimately win.
Fabrice Santoro said about Novak Djokovic. (H/T: We Love Tennis)

Novak Djokovic talks about his struggles against Francisco Cerundolo

While Fabrice Santoro heaped praise on Novak Djokovic, the Serbian dived deep into his struggles against Francisco Cerundolo. He revealed that he was facing issues while moving across the court. Djokovic also admitted that he was avoiding playing longer rallies.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Via IMAGO)
I started feeling the pain [in set two] and asked for the physio treatment and the medical timeout and tried to take care of it. It did disrupt me definitely in play. For two sets, two sets and a half, I didn't want to stay in the rally too long. Every time he would make sudden drop shots or change directions, I would not be feeling comfortable to do the running.
Novak Djokovic said after his win over Francisco Cerundolo. (H/T: ATP Tour)

Nevertheless, Djokovic fought all of this and eventually emerged triumphant at the Court Philippe-Chatrier. With this win, he also registered his 370th major win and moved to first place for the most victories at the Grand Slam level. Also, Djokovic has reached the quarter-finals in the French capital 15 consecutive times and 18 overall.

He will next face Norwegian ace Casper Ruud in the quarterfinal. The two players battled it out in the Madrid Open semifinal and it was a defeat for Djokovic. Now, the 37-year-old will have a chance to avenge that defeat.

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