Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have set up a semi-final against one another after they both recorded hard-fought victories in the French Open on Tuesday.
The Serbian number one seed survived four match points to win in five sets against Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-1, 5-7, 5-7, 7-6(6), 6-1.
Djokovic’s determination and experience got him through the match and he was delighted to progress afterwards.
“There is really not any rational explanation or a word that can describe what you’re supposed to do when you’re match points down or when you’re very close to losing the match,” Djokovic said. “I guess it’s trying to be mentally tough and believing in your shots.”
Djokovic continued: “I did have some matches similar to this one when I was match points down and managed to come back. If he had won, he would deserve the win, no doubt. But that’s sport. The one that mentally pushes more in some moments and obviously gets also a bit lucky, gets the win.”
Meanwhile, home favourite Tsonga admitted the defeat was hard to swallow.
He said: “This is probably the most difficult defeat or loss in my career.”
Elsewhere, Swiss genius Roger Federer progressed came from two sets down to defeat Argentine Juan Martin del Potro 3-6, 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-0, 6-3.
The Argentine did battle a knee problem, but the third seed showed great strength of character to fight back.
“I’m very happy with the way I fought and started in the third set, fourth set, and even in the fifth set,” said Federer.