Djokovic, Federer rally into semifinals in 5 sets
PARIS — Four times, the stands at Roland Garros were ready to erupt, a beloved Frenchman standing one point from beating the world’s top player and ending his quest for history.
Four times, Novak Djokovic had an answer for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
And so, instead of Tsonga Time at the French Open, Djokovic is still on the road to the “Novak Slam.”
Top-seeded Djokovic overcame four match points, to say nothing of the partisan crowd, for a 6-1, 5-7, 5-7, 7-6 (6), 6-1 quarterfinal victory over Tsonga that ended near twilight Tuesday in front of drizzle-soaked stands that quickly emptied after the match points vanished and the final set had become academic.
“There is not really any rational explanation or word that can describe what you’re supposed to do when you’re match points down or 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 did and got the win — his 26th straight in the majors.
Roger Federer also fashioned a comefrom-behind win, and though he didn’t face a match point, he did drop the first two sets before beating No. 9 Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina 3-6, 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-0, 6-3.
The riveting five-set men’s quarterfinals were quite a feast for fans after the light fare of the women’s quarterfinals.
No. 21 Sara Errani of Italy defeated No. 10 Angelique Kerber of Germany 6-3, 7-6 (2). Errani now faces U.S. Open champion Sam Stosur, who is seeded sixth. Stosur eliminated No. 15 Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia 6-4, 6-1.