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DJOKOVIC ROLAND GARROS 2021
Novak Djokovic, Roland Garros, Tennis News

‘Novak Djokovic is a master tactically and physically’, says Mats Wilander


Mats Wilander described Novak Djokovic as a “master” for wearing Lorenzo Musetti down physically, but said the Serbian was too passive in the first two sets.

World No. 1 Djokovic was leading 6-7 (7-9), 6-7 (2-7), 6-1, 6-0, 4-0 in the French Open fourth round match when his Italian opponent retired.

“Did Novak actually cause [the retirement] by running him around so much during the first two sets?,” six-time major winner Wilander wondered speaking on Eurosport.

“Not worrying about the score. And then seemingly knowing exactly – ‘oh, this what I need to do’ – and then he did it for the rest of the match.

“At some point, Novak Djokovic wore him down and he broke down physically. So, both tactically and physically – Novak Djokovic just a master.

“Novak was most probably a little bit nervous [in the first two sets]. It’s a big moment playing a youngster. Obviously, there’s no way Novak would see himself lose to Musetti.

“But, [he was] a little passive early on. And it’s the forehand he does have problems with when he’s nervous. I don’t know if it’s nerves or he’s just testing his opponent out.

“Certainly he was a little bit too passive, but in the end – maybe he wasn’t too passive because he got the result he wanted.”

Djokovic will face Matteo Berrettini in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros tomorrow.


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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.