Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (3) in the quarterfinal of the men’s tennis singles event at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, August 1.
Djokovic’s hard-fought victory moved him one step closer to his elusive first gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
According to the ATP Tour, the 37-year-old trailed 2-5 in a dramatic second set, during which he saved three set points and twice called the physio for his right knee, the same knee on which he had surgery in early June after withdrawing from Roland Garros.
Despite the pain from his injury, the Serbian fought through the early stages of the second set.
After calling the physio at 0-3 and again at 1-4, Djokovic appeared to regain confidence in his movement.
He crushed a forehand winner while sliding towards the right, putting significant pressure on his right leg, on a pivotal deuce point. Djokovic saved three set points on return at 4-5, 0/40.
Up next for the top seed is 11th seed Lorenzo Musetti, who upset defending Olympic gold medalist Alexander Zverev 7-5, 7-5.
Djokovic has won six of his seven meetings against Musetti, including three matches this season.
By Dotun Omisakin
