'I didn't mind actually leaving the court because I felt like I needed a little bit of a break and reset,' said Djokovic. The rules had been loosened on Wednesday, allowing more fans - up to 5,000 - to watch on Chatrier than previously throughout the tournament.īut, shortly after Berrettini provided competition to Djokovic again and the fourth set was delicately poised, the players left the court as spectators were turfed out in order to meet the newly extended 11pm curfew.

The previous matches held under the floodlights had all been played behind closed doors because of a 9pm curfew imposed by France's coronavirus restrictions. Just as there had been during Nadal's afternoon match on Wednesday, there was a buoyant mood on Chatrier when Djokovic met Berrettini in the first Roland Garros night session to have fans. Why did the fans have to leave? Djokovic's victory over Berrettini was the one and only night-session match to have fans at this year's tournament - until they were turfed out at 11pm local time

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Nadal, 35, is still deemed the favourite to land the trophy, which would be a 21st Grand Slam triumph and move him clear of Roger Federer for the first time in terms of most men's majors.ĭjokovic, 34, is two behind Nadal and Federer after winning his 18th Grand Slam at the Australian Open in February. The pair will meet for the 58th time in their illustrious careers, with the winner going on to face Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas or German sixth seed Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final.

Victory ensures Djokovic will renew his enduring rivalry with Nadal, who is aiming for a record-extending 14th title at Roland Garros. With his eyes wide and fists punching his chest, the world number one roared his delight at coming through.

That stillness was punctured, however, by Djokovic's manic celebrations when he took his third match point.

The final stages of the match were played in eerie silence, like the previous night matches in the tournament, after initially taking place in front of an exuberant crowd. When the players returned, Djokovic wrapped up a 6-3 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 win. Berrettini won a third-set tie-break, forcing an exodus greeted by loud boos.

French open live scores 2021