On a vibrant night at Roland Garros 2025, Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis titan, showcased his enduring brilliance by defeating Austrian qualifier Filip Misolic in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, to secure his place in the fourth round of the French Open. The match, played on Court Philippe-Chatrier under the electric atmosphere of a night session, marked Djokovic’s 99th victory at the clay-court Grand Slam, tying his personal record for most wins at a single major, previously set at the Australian Open. At 38, the three-time Roland Garros champion continues his quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam title, a milestone that would further cement his legacy as one of tennis’s all-time greats.
The third-round clash, which lasted just over two hours, saw Djokovic deliver a masterclass in precision and control. Despite facing a spirited challenge from the 23-year-old Misolic, ranked No. 153 in the world, Djokovic’s experience and tactical acumen proved insurmountable. The Serbian was nearly flawless on serve, winning 80% of his first-serve points and firing five aces while fending off all but one break point. “I’m just hoping to carry on. Every time I step onto this court, I’m playing for history,” Djokovic said post-match, reflecting on the significance of each appearance at Roland Garros. “It’s incredible, this sport that has given me everything in my life. I want to give back the love I experience when I’m playing.”
Misolic, making his deepest run at a Grand Slam, brought moments of brilliance to the clay. Known for his flat, deep shots and strong mobility, the Austrian had already turned heads by defeating No. 27 seed Denis Shapovalov in a five-set thriller in the second round. His journey to the third round included three straight-set wins in qualifying and a grueling first-round victory over Bu Yunchaokete. Against Djokovic, Misolic showed flashes of his potential, particularly with powerful forehands and deft drop shots, but his 22 unforced errors underscored the gap between him and the Serbian legend. “I began playing when I was six,” Misolic shared, recalling his early days. “I like to practise at home because there I feel most comfortable.” Despite the loss, his performance boosted him 13 spots to No. 140 in the live ATP rankings, a testament to his growing presence on the tour.
The match unfolded with Djokovic asserting dominance early. In the first set, he broke Misolic in the sixth game after the Austrian saved nine break points, sealing the set with a clinical overhead smash. The second set was tighter, with Misolic holding firm until Djokovic unleashed a sublime backhand passing shot to break at 3-2, a moment that drew roars from the packed crowd. The third set saw Djokovic elevate his game further, breaking twice, including a comeback from 0-40 in the seventh game, before closing out the match with an ace down the T. “I’m content not to have finished at three in the morning like last year,” Djokovic quipped, referencing his marathon match against Lorenzo Musetti in 2024.
The night session, Djokovic’s first of the tournament, was not without its challenges. The Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd, buzzing with excitement amid Paris Saint-Germain’s concurrent Champions League victory, occasionally disrupted play with Mexican waves and cheers. Djokovic, visibly frustrated at times, even confronted the umpire over the noise but channeled his focus to deliver a performance that left little room for doubt. His 33 winners to 14 unforced errors highlighted his efficiency, a stark contrast to Misolic’s valiant but error-prone effort.
Djokovic’s path to the last 16 sets up a fourth-round clash with Britain’s Cameron Norrie, whom he defeated in three sets just a week prior in the Geneva Open semifinals. With a 16th consecutive fourth-round appearance at Roland Garros, Djokovic remains a formidable force, undefeated in his last 83 Grand Slam matches against players ranked outside the ATP top 30. His victory over Misolic, a former training partner from a pre-US Open session in 2024, underscores his ability to adapt and dominate, even against rising talents. “Thanks @djokernole for an amazing week,” Misolic had posted on Instagram after their training stint, a sentiment that now carries the weight of facing his idol on the grandest stage.
For Misolic, the defeat marks the end of a breakthrough tournament. His aggressive baseline game and resilience, honed on the Challenger circuit with a title in Prague earlier this year, signal a bright future. Djokovic, meanwhile, marches on, his sights set on surpassing Rafael Nadal’s 112 Roland Garros wins and etching another chapter in his storied career. As Paris celebrates both tennis and football, the Serbian’s relentless pursuit of history continues to captivate the tennis world.
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