After an intense five-set match against Lorenzo Musetti that ended at 3 a.m., world number 1 Novak Djokovic found an unorthodox way to recharge: playing pétanque. The Serbian tennis star visited an enclave of bowls enthusiasts in the Bois de Boulogne, capturing the moment in a lighthearted Instagram video. Djokovic was seen smiling and relaxed, trying his hand at the game with the caption, 'With my friends in the Bois de Boulogne.' Despite the heavier balls, he seemed adept at the sport.
Djokovic's late-night match on Philippe-Chatrier was nothing short of surreal. Concluding at 3:15 a.m., the match saw the Serb triumph over Musetti with a score of 7-5, 6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 over 4 hours and 27 minutes. This contest set a record for the latest finish at Roland-Garros, eclipsing the previous mark set by a Nadal-Sinner quarter-final in 2020. The match's dramatic turn saw Djokovic rally from a disadvantageous position in the fourth set, pushing through physical exhaustion to secure his win.
In a poignant moment, Djokovic addressed the crowd in French, appreciating their undying support and acknowledging the favorable energy they provided him. 'All the energy you gave me at that time allowed me to become a different player,' Djokovic admitted. Despite the erratic scheduling and the adverse conditions, the Serb's determination to maintain his world number 1 status was evident, particularly as he faces the risk of losing his top spot to Italy's Jannik Sinner if he doesn't reach the final.
Following the exhaustion of his late-night victory, Djokovic had to focus on rapid recovery due to his upcoming match against Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo scheduled for Monday. The match is set as the third rotation on Philippe-Chatrier, giving Djokovic a bit of reprieve from another late-night encounter. In the interim, he utilized the soothing ambiance of a leisurely pétanque game to destress, showcasing a unique method of dealing with post-match adrenaline.
Ultimately, it’s not just the mind-boggling endurance that defines Djokovic, but also his ability to connect with the fans and find unconventional ways to rejuvenate. Even though his season has been less than stellar, the reigning champion at 37, demonstrates a hunger for victory that inspires many. As he advances in the French Open, he continues to captivate his audience, both on and off the court.
- The duration and intensity of the match against Musetti left Djokovic with little time to sleep, pushing him to seek alternative recovery methods. His choice of pétanque, a traditionally French game, resonates with his respect for local culture and his adaptable spirit.
- Despite the sheer exhaustion from a long night of tennis, Djokovic's willingness to engage with fans and partake in a local sport highlights his charismatic and approachable personality. His interaction with fans, including distributing towels and wristbands, further endears him to the tennis community.
- Facing Francisco Cerundolo will be a critical juncture in Djokovic’s quest to retain his world number 1 ranking. Cerundolo, ranked 23rd, will pose a formidable challenge, but Djokovic’s indomitable spirit and unyielding drive are well-recognized.
