Roland Garros: Battle-hardened Novak Djokovic survives another scare to make tennis history

Only 37 hours after his Lorenzo Musetti marathon at Roland-Garros, Novak Djokovic was on court for even longer in Monday’s fourth-round 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 success over Francisco Cerundolo. 

The World No. 1 and 24-time Grand Slam winner overcame the Italian despite several injury scares and continued complaints about the court’s condition, claiming a five-set win in four hours and 39 minutes. 

Djokovic was on court for four hours and 29 minutes against Musetti in the previous round, and the latest win demonstrated the 37-year-old Serbian’s durability and tenacity. 

"Again a big, big, big thank you because once again like the last match. The win is your win," Djokovic told the crowd in his on-court interview. 

Djokovic matched Roger Federer’s 369 Grand Slam wins after defeating Musetti, and Monday's success means the 37-year-old is the standalone holder with 370 victories in the Open Era. 

Furthermore, making the quarterfinals at Roland Garros saw Djokovic (59) eclipse Federer for the number of last-eight appearances at Slams (58).

Djokovic's ambition for a 25th Slam will be tested by Casper Ruud in Wednesday's quarter-final on Philippe-Chatrier. 

The Serbian has not won a title in 2024.