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Novak Djokovic became only the sixth man to take his place in multiple finals at each Grand Slam event after he defeated Ernests Gulbis 6-3 6-3 3-6 6-3 in the first of the menŠ—Ès semi-finals in Paris
Roland Garros, Tennis News

Djokovic defeats Gulbis to take place in French Open final


 

Originally published on 06/06/14

The Serbian advances to his second Roland Garros final joining Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Ivan Lendl, Rafael Nadal and Ken Rosewall as Open Era players who have reached multiple finals at each of the Slams.

On Court Philippe Chatrier, finally drenched in sunshine, Djokovic defeated the Latvian for the sixth time in seven meetings. 

Speaking after the match, the 25-year old Latvian said that he was not used to playing these kind of big matches but added: “I can take one positive side out of the match: that I could still win a third set feeling that nervous and that extra tired, and I saw that he was feeling the same."

Although neither player produced sparkling tennis, Gulbis thinks his opponent can go and on win the title: “I think he has a big chance to win the tournament.  He's a favorite almost every tournament which he goes into. I guess he has a big chance.  Doesn't matter how bad he plays in the quarters, semis, or first, second. Doesn't matter. A final is a final.”

Djokovic, who will complete his career Grand Slam and overtake Nadal at the top of the world rankings with victory on Sunday,  said: "The first two sets went well. I thought I played well, very solid, putting a lot of returns back in the court, serving at the high percentage. Then suddenly midway through the third set started to feel physically fatigued a little bit, and you could feel that. You could see that both me and him, we struggled on the court. It happens, you know. It happens in the tournament, and important thing for me is that I realise what's going on. It's nothing serious. I'm going to have now two days of recovery and get ready for the final."

The Serb took two hours and 36 minutes to see off Gulbis, who was playing in his first Slam semi-final. Djokovic broke twice in the opening set and then only lost 12 points on serve in the second as he established a commanding lead. Gulbis, though, showed he is up for the fight as he broke for 5-3 in the third set with a fine backhand winner. The Latvian, who will break into the top 10 of the rankings for the first time on Monday, struck an ace to take the next game and the set, only for Djokovic to regain control in the fourth to seal victory.

 

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.