2024 Paris Olympics, tennis: Novak Djokovic storms into semi-finals
What's the story
Novak Djokovic has entered the semi-finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics in men's singles tennis. The Serbian ace defeated a familiar opponent in Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas. Djokovic claimed the first set 6-3. Tsitsipas was 4-0 ahead in the second set but lost his momentum as Djokovic came from behind to make it 5-5 before winning 7-6 in the tie-breaker. Here are further details.
Journey
Djokovic claims his fourth successive win at Paris Olympics
Djokovic's Paris Games campaign at Roland Garros was off to a brilliant start as he claimed a 6-0, 6-1 victory against Australian Matthew Ebden. Djokovic then beat legend Rafael Nadal to reach the third round. He secured a 6-1, 6-4 win in what was a record-extending 60th ATP head-to-head clash between the two. Next up, he defeated Germany's Dominik Koepfer before overcoming Tsitsipas now.
Numbers
Djokovic at Roland Garros as he vies for gold medal
Djokovic owns a 96-16 win-loss record at Roland Garros (French Open). He has already bagged three French Open honors. He holds the record for the most Grand Slams won in men's singles (24). Djokovic, who lost the 2024 Wimbledon final, is vying for his maiden Olympic gold. Notably, Djokovic's first and only medal (bronze) came in 2008, Beijing.
Information
100th win at Roland Garros
As mentioned above, Djokovic has won 96 matches at the French Open. With four wins in the ongoing Olympic event in Paris, he has raced to 100 wins at Roland Garros.
Stats
Djokovic flexes his muscles against Tsitsipas
Djokovic has now raced to a 27-7 win-loss record this season on the ATP Tour. He is yet to win a title. Djokovic, who has bagged 98 ATP honors to date, owns a 12-2 win-loss record against Tsitsipas. He has won their past 11 meetings. Tsitsipas now owns a 35-14 win-loss record in 2024 (1 title win).
Do you know?
Four singles semi-finals at the Olympics
As per Opta, Djokovic has made four singles semi-finals at the Olympics: twice as many than any other player since tennis returned to the Summer Olympics program in 1988. Djokovic has reached the semis in 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris.
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Here are the match stats
Djokovic doled out six aces compared to his opponent's three. The Greek star made committed double faults with Djokovic committing one. The Serb converted 3/6 break points and clocked 18 winners. Tsitsipas made 26 unforced errors to Djokovic's 25.
Ruud
Casper Ruud beaten by Felix Auger Aliassime
Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Casper Ruud of Norway in their quarter-final clash earlier. Auger-Aliassime won the contest in three sets to make it to the semis. He won 6-4, 6-7, 6-3. He has raced to a 25-16 win-loss record on the ATP Tour this season. Meanwhile, he owns a 3-3 win-loss record versus Ruud in their head-to-head meetings.