Novak Djokovic endured the latest finish in French Open history against Lorenzo Musetti to reach the fourth round at Roland Garros.
The world number one and defending champion’s match was shoved back into the early hours due to the incessant rain which has seen this tournament dubbed the ‘Drench Open’.
Djokovic finally emerged victorious from the five-set ordeal at 3.08am.
With downpours wrecking another day on the outside courts in Paris, tournament chiefs decided to squeeze in an unfinished match under the roof on Court Phillipe Chatrier before Djokovic took on Musetti in the night session.
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That decision was taken early on during the match between Alexander Zverev and Tallon Griekspoor, which turned out to be a five-set, four-hour 13-minute marathon won by the German.
That meant Grigor Dimitrov’s match against Belgian Zizou Bergs resumed at 7.45pm local time, with the score 6-3 2-1 to the Bulgarian 10th seed.
By the time Dimitrov had completed a four-set win – just shy of four hours in total – Djokovic, due to start at 8.15pm, finally got on the court at 10.40pm.
Having edged the first set, 37-year-old Djokovic slipped 2-1 down but dug deep to haul himself level.
In the deciding set, the Serbian was pathetically called for a time violation by umpire Adel Nour, losing his first serve.
He pleaded, “Have a little bit of understanding. It’s 4am.”
It was actually only 3am, but he had a point – playing at that time should be a time violation in itself.
Nevertheless, at the ungodly hour of 3.08am, Djokovic finally wrapped up a 7-5 6-7 (6) 2-6 6-4 6-0 victory.
The 24-time grand slam winner said: “I need to say congratulations to Lorenzo, it’s a shame someone had to lose.
“He played an incredible match and was very, very close to winning.
“It’s very difficult to sleep with all the adrenaline, but I will try.”
Djokovic will play Argentinian 23rd seed Francisco Cerundolo in round four.
