Updates: Djokovic In The Driver's Seat Against Tsitsipas

Novak Djokovic is just one set away from his fifth Roland Garros final, having taken the opening two sets of his semi-final contest against Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-2 on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

The World No. 1 has been tested by Tsitsipas, but has played with confidence in crucial moments to take a commanding lead. Djokovic has faced seven breaks points so far and is yet to drop serve. The Serbian has landed 20 winners and converted three of his four break points to close in on his 27th Grand Slam final appearance.

Djokovic is aiming to join rival Rafael Nadal in the championship match. The 12-time champion claimed a 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(0) victory against Diego Schwartzman to improve to 13-0 in Roland Garros semi-finals.

Tsitsipas is aiming to recover from two sets down for only the second time in his career. The World No. 6 claimed his first comeback from that position in the first round against Jaume Munar. The reigning Nitto ATP Finals champion is attempting to become the youngest Grand Slam finalist since Juan Martin del Potro’s title run at the 2009 US Open.

Despite not facing a break point in the opening two service games of any of his previous five matches at this event, Djokovic was forced to save four to hold serve in the opening game of the match. Surviving that challenge appeared to work in his favour, as he ripped a crosscourt forehand winner in the following game to establish a 2-0 lead.

Serving at 4-2, Djokovic showed great movement and balance to save break point at the net after a 23-shot rally. The 81-time tour-level titlist once again fired a crosscourt forehand winner to close that game.

After taking the first set, Djokovic chased down balls from behind the baseline to keep rallies alive and frustrate his opponent. Tsitsipas led 40/0 in service games at 2-2 and 2-4, but was broken on both occasions as Djokovic forced the Greek to play one extra shot. After extracting crucial errors, Djokovic achieved near perfection on serve at 5-2. The top seed served out the set with three aces and one unreturned serve.

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/3iMLIPw