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BERRETTINI ROLAND GARROS 2021 DJOKOVIC

‘He saw Djokovic is beatable’ – Boris Becker gives Berrettini edge over world No. 1


Boris Becker believes it is “advantage Matteo Berrettini” over Novak Djokovic in the French Open quarter-finals as the Italian is well rested.

The six-time Grand Slam winner also praised Djokovic’s ability to “reduce his emotions” in tough situations after he came from 0-2 down in sets to beat Lorenzo Musetti.

After defeating the 19-year-old Italian, world No. 1 Djokovic will face ninth seed Berrettini in the last eight at Roland Garros.

Eurosport expert Becker – a three-time French Open semi-finalist – said: “Novak is a champion and he’s been in a situation like this before.

“He then reduces his emotions and the other guy starts thinking – ‘Oh, I can beat the number one in the world here’ – and in those five minutes he’s already lost the third set.

“You always have to keep at it and believe in yourself from start to finish, especially against the big guys.

“For me [in the quarter-finals], it’s advantage Berrettini. He has an off day now and had long matches before. Now he watched the match very closely and saw Djokovic is beatable.”

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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.