Novak Djokovic OUT of French Open after quarter-final defeat to Marco Cecchinato
NOVAK DJOKOVIC is out of the French Open following a shock defeat to Marco Cecchinato, losing 3-6, 6-7, 6-1, 6-7.
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Djokovic was bidding to reach his 32nd Grand Slam semi-final but injuries ultimately played a part in his shock defeat to the Italian.
The 31-year-old lost the opening set of his quarter-final against Italian Marco Cecchinato 6-3, with the 12-times major winner appearing to struggle with a neck problem midway through the contest.
Djokovic then found himself two sets down against Cecchinato, losing the second set 7-6 (7-4) in a thrilling tiebreak.
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The Serb, however, appeared less weighed down by the effects of a neck problem that troubled him earlier in the last eight match.
Djokovic clawed his way back against the unseeded Italian Cecchinato, winning the third set 6-1.
However, the number 20 seed immediately called the physio on to the court to treat a leg injury.
Djokovic fought til the end but Cecchinato took the tie-break 13-11 in the final set.
Speaking immediately after the match, an emotional Cecchinato said the victory felt surreal.
"Are you sure [I won]? Maybe I am sleeping,” he said.
“It's amazing. It's unbelievable for me. I am very happy because it is unbelievable to beat Novak Djokovic at a quarter-final in Roland Garros.
"I started very well on my serve and, phew... I was so tired, but I won the match... amazing.
"It is the first time in a semi-final in a Grand Slam. Now I need to think for the semi-final, summarise for recovery and I am very happy."
Cecchinato will face Dominic Thiem in the semi-final on Thursday after he beat Alexander Zverev earlier today.