On a balmy Parisian evening, Novak Djokovic’s third-round match at the 2025 French Open became an unforgettable spectacle, not just for his commanding performance but for the electric atmosphere fueled by Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Champions League triumph. The Serbian tennis maestro, facing qualifier Filip Misolic on Court Philippe-Chatrier, secured a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory to reach the fourth round for the 16th consecutive year. However, the night session was repeatedly punctuated by roars from the 15,000-strong crowd, who were simultaneously engrossed in PSG’s 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in Munich, a result that marked the French club’s first-ever Champions League title.
The proximity of PSG’s Parc des Princes to Roland Garros amplified the chaos, with fireworks bursting over the city each time PSG found the net. The football fever spilled into the tennis arena, where fans, glued to their phones, erupted in cheers, started Mexican waves, and even shouted mid-rally, much to the frustration of the chair umpire. During a tense third-set rally, the crowd’s celebration of PSG’s fourth goal prompted umpire Kader Nouni to call for silence, drawing boos and whistles from the spirited spectators. “It was way too many times that they were celebrating,” Djokovic said with a chuckle post-match. “I was like, ‘Wow, this is a lot of goals from Paris! What’s going on?’ Now I heard it’s 5-0. Quite a result, to be honest.”
Djokovic, a self-professed football enthusiast and AC Milan supporter, had hoped to avoid the night session to watch the Champions League final. “I will definitely watch it if I’m not playing [in the] night session,” he had said earlier, but the French Open schedule had other plans, slotting his match against Misolic at 8:15 p.m., just 45 minutes shy of the football kickoff. While other players, like French star Arthur Fils, a fervent PSG fan, were granted afternoon slots to catch the game, Djokovic took the scheduling snub in stride. “Whatever they schedule me, I have to accept,” he noted, acknowledging his discussions with tournament director Amelie Mauresmo, who emphasized the complex puzzle of balancing player requests, broadcaster needs, and spectator expectations.
Despite the distractions, Djokovic remained laser-focused, dispatching the 153rd-ranked Misolic in just over two hours. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, chasing a record-breaking 25th major title, showcased his trademark precision and athleticism, winning all nine sets he’d played in the tournament thus far. “Solid when I needed to be,” he said, reflecting on his performance. “There’s always something to improve, but overall, I have to be pleased with the level of tennis so far.” His victory improved his French Open record to an impressive 99-16, matching his win tally at the Australian Open.
The vibrant night session atmosphere, Djokovic noted, was a stark contrast to daytime matches. “Night sessions are always different. They’re always louder. The people are always more excited. Everything is always loud and different from a day session,” he said. The Serbian, who celebrated his 100th career title in Geneva just before the tournament, embraced the chaos, even joking about the challenges of navigating Paris post-match. “It’s going to be quite a journey, quite an adventure [getting home],” he quipped. “But I think we are in for a long celebration and probably not much sleep tonight. It’s a fun night to be in Paris, I guess.”
The match wasn’t without its challenges. Fireworks and crowd outbursts disrupted play, and at one point, Djokovic signaled to the umpire to address the mid-rally cheers. Yet, his composure never wavered, a testament to his experience in hostile environments, like his 2024 Wimbledon match where he faced boos he perceived as disrespectful. This time, he took the PSG-driven disruptions with good humor, appreciating the historic moment unfolding nearby. “I would be watching football, for sure,” he admitted, hinting at his shared passion for the sport.
Djokovic now advances to face Cameron Norrie in the fourth round, a player he’s defeated in all five prior meetings, including a recent clash in Geneva. “He’s a big fighter. He’s a grinder,” Djokovic said of Norrie, anticipating a tough battle. With Paris buzzing from PSG’s triumph, Djokovic’s quest for another French Open title continues, undeterred by the city’s football-fueled euphoria.
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