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French Open 2020, Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas, Semi Final LIVE Score and Update: Tsitsipas takes third set

Catch all the latest updates, live score and more on Firstpost.com's live blog of the men's singles semi-finals at the 2020 French Open.

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French Open 2020, Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas, Semi Final LIVE Score and Update: Tsitsipas takes third set

Highlights

00:34 (ist)

Set 3: Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-5

Looking down and out, Stefanos Tsitsipas gets himself out of the brink to take the third set. Saves a match point to finally get the break on 11th chance and at the most opportune time. Reels off three straight games to take the match into a fourth set
23:31 (ist)

Second set: Djokovic 6-2

Novak Djokovic wins the second set 6-2 in 38 minutes and is now one set away from another match-up with Rafael Nadal. Stefanos Tsitsipas losing way in the middle, not making break points count and Djokovic has run away with this set. 
22:51 (ist)

First set: Djokovic 6-3

Novak Djokovic takes the opening set 6-3 in 43 minutes. Stefanos Tsitsipas had multiple break chances in the very first game but couldn't convert and Djokovic broke in the second game to make the advantage count in the end. 
21:51 (ist)

Rafael Nadal speaks after the match:

It's always a great moment, to play here, and to be in the Roland Garros final again, that's truly special. 

There were a couple of points on which I was under pressure and made a few mistakes, he played really well. I missed a volley here and there. I always knew it would be a difficult match right up until the end with Diego. Two and a half or three weeks ago, I lost in Rome, so I expected a really tough match here. I'm happy with the way I played, I feel like I've been improving and today was a great win for me. 

I've been playing with him for years, I've faced him many times. It's true that he's better every single match though. In Rome, I lost, and he played well. He's been playing well for weeks, a few days ago he played an incredible match against Dominic Thiem here. Of course, we took a look at that match in Rome. We tried to analyse the things that didn't work and make a few changes, and I'm really happy that what we did worked today.
21:43 (ist)

Game, Set, Match: Rafael Nadal wins 6-3, 6-3, 7(0)-6

Excellent start from Nadal! He wraps up the first two points in the tiebreak, including a mini-break! Make that three, he's really upped his level here! Double minibreak for Nadal. It's 4-0 to Rafa now, Schwartzman fluffs his lines on an overhead, he really should have landed that. Another backhand goes long for Schwartzman, it's all gone a bit pear-shaped here. 5-0. Another error from Schwartzman. 6-0 to Nadal, and more importantly, six match points. The 13th is on! Nadal completes his 99th victory at Roland Garros! Schwartzman gave it his all, but his all just was not enough.
20:23 (ist)

Second set: Rafael Nadal 6-3!

First point goes Rafa's way, but Schwartzman makes up for it with an exquisite passage of play in which he pushes Nadal wide and then hits the Spaniard's lofted ball into the open court. Nadal gets an edge on a backhand in the following rally, and it flies wide. Oi vey, double fault from Schwartzman and it comes at the worst possible time. He thwacks a forehand across court on the next point, but it's inches wide. Set point for Nadal. The first serve misses. The second lands, but Schwartzman loses the point after a powerful Nadal forehand can't be returned by the Argentine. Nadal is up two sets and cruising!
19:39 (ist)

First Set: Rafael Nadal 6-3

Nadal drops the first point thanks to a Schwartzman backhand winner. Schwartzman's really sticking to his strategy of keeping Nadal pinned in at the backhand side, and he seems to be getting some results from it. He messes up a backhand of his own though, and it's 15-15. Nadal's struggling a bit on the backhands here, and he miscues another, sending it wide. Nadal uses his serve well on the next point to make it 30-30, Schwartzman can't make the return. Another good serve and he's on set point. What can Schwartzman do here? Nadal misses his first serve, which makes it a little easier for the Argentine. It's deuce! Nadal can't clear the net with a forehand.

Huge Nadal backhand winner from nowhere, and he's back on set point. There's not much wrong with what Schwartzman was doing in the rally, but Nadal is just that good. Nadal makes an error! Schwartzman is doing really well to go for the Spaniard's second serve. We're back on deuce! This has the feel of a turning point in the match. Nadal's back on set point, with a delicate dropshot. And Nadal's won the first set 6-3, thanks to a Schwartzman unforced error! Phew, that was intense!
17:14 (ist)

Hello and welcome to Firstpost.com's coverage of the French Open men's singles semi-finals!

Rafael Nadal will be playing in his 34th Grand Slam semi-final as he pursues a record-tying 20th major championship and 13th title at the French Open. Meanwhile, his opponent, Diego Schwartzman has never been this far at a Slam. In the second match of the night, Novak Djokovic will be participating in his 38th Grand Slam semi-final as he eyes his 18th major championship. He will be up against Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has only once before been in a major semi-final, which he lost. Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest updates and the live score from what promises to be an action-packed evening!

LIVE NEWS and UPDATES

Oct 10, 2020 - 00:53 (IST)

Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 2-2 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)

After being broken for three straight serves, Djokovic holds. Started by conceding a point but quickly gets things in order to keep this set on serve. 

Oct 10, 2020 - 00:49 (IST)

Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 1-2 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)

An emotionless Djokovic now 0-30 up including a gorgeous cross court winner that looked wide on the first look. Tsitsipas misses a drop shot and Djokovic has the chance to break back. One saved as Djokovic misses a backhand. Tsitsipas goes for a winner on the forehand only to overcook it. BREAK! The fourth set is back on serve

Oct 10, 2020 - 00:46 (IST)

Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 0-2 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)

After Tsitsipas it is Novak's serve which is under the pump now. Tsitsipas with a gorgeous pickup on the drop shot to bring up three break points. Unbelievable! Djokovic with an uncharacteristic backhand error and Stefanos gets the BREAK! Having gone 0/10 on break points earlier, Tsitsipas is now 3/4!

Oct 10, 2020 - 00:42 (IST)

Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 0-1 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)

Tsitsipas under a bit of bother at the start of the fourth set. Djokovic with a backhand winner to bring the game to deuce, reading the Tsitsipas drop comfortably. But Stefanos roars back with a big, big winner. Djokovic not letting the chance go by forcing Stefanos into a mistake. Tsitsipas once again goes for the drop shot but this one doesn't go over to concede another break point. Again saved. Djokovic hits the top of the tape on the forehand and Tsitsipas can breathe again as this game ticks on. Tsitsipas with a big hold in the end as Djokovic makes an error

Oct 10, 2020 - 00:34 (IST)

Set 3: Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-5

Looking down and out, Stefanos Tsitsipas gets himself out of the brink to take the third set. Saves a match point to finally get the break on 11th chance and at the most opportune time. Reels off three straight games to take the match into a fourth set

Oct 10, 2020 - 00:32 (IST)

Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 5-7 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)

Two-in-two on drop shots to begin with for Djokovic. Tsitsipas is striking the ball very nicely all of a sudden and a backhand winner gets the tap of the racket from Novak. Tsitsipas forcing Djokovic into going for more angles, putting him under pressure and seeing the Serb's backhand land wide. 30-30 and Tsitsipas is oozing confidence now. A low slice backhand is short and has Djokovic moving up but unable to get it up and over. All of a sudden, a set point for Tsitsipas. Saved with Djokovic playing more positive, attacking tennis now. A forehand opens up the court and a drive volley winner saves the set point to bring the game to deuce. Once again the slice, low backhand has Djokovic uncomfortable but it is the forehand that creates a second set point for Stefanos. GETS IT! Tsitsipas with a HUGE forehand winner deep into the court and the Greek takes it!

Oct 10, 2020 - 00:24 (IST)

Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 5-6 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)

Djokovic with early in-roads into this Tsitsipas serve to go 0-30 ahead. But Tstisipas staying in it by moving Djokovic around before closing the point with a well played drop shot. Now dictates terms from the back to see Djokovic make an error. Another forced error from Djokovic brings up game point. Tsitsipas sees Djokovic's backhand go wide and holds. What a comeback!

Oct 10, 2020 - 00:22 (IST)

Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 5-5 *Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)

Novak Djokovic serving for the match. Stefanos gets lucky with the return as it trickles over and Djokovic's angled drop shot back is wide. Tsitsipas misses a backhand and it is 15-15, the Greek is visibly upset with that shot. Djokovic with the error now, from the forehand, to see it become 15-30. Djokovic forces Tsitsipas into a defensive shot that goes long to make it 30-30. Djokovic's drop shot attempt is into the net and Tsitsipas has a ninth break point. Looked to be a rushed drop shot - almost too eager to get the win. Tsitsipas sends the serve return long though. This one is into the Tsitsipas body and the return is into the net. Match point for Novak. Djokovic looks to find the sideline with a backhand winner but misses narrowly. Deuce once again. Djokovic gets a time violation. Tsitsipas makes no mistake on the overhead and the Greek has a break point once again. The second serve is into the net from Tsitsipas and that's one more gone. Djokovic with great defense but not enough to get the point as Tsitsipas rides forward with a forehand winner to create another break point for himself. Finally he converts! BREAK! Tsitsipas saves match point and gets a break on 11th (!) time of asking.

Oct 10, 2020 - 00:12 (IST)

Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 5-4 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)

A love hold from Djokovic to keep things at even footing. But Tsitsipas is made to work hard in this crucial ninth game. From 15-30, a pumped up Tsitsipas with game point after big shots from the back. Djokovic keeps the game going with a well played drop shot. Tsitsipas is angry and frustrated as he misses a fairly routine forehand down the line. Hits the tape and Djokovic has break point. WHAT A POINT! Djokovic doing exceptionally well to reach an angled serve, then play a drop, a lob and gets the point with a deep, deep smash which Stefanos sends into the net for the BREAK. At the end of it, Djokovic is the one pumped and punching the air. He should be, he's one game away from the final!

Oct 10, 2020 - 00:01 (IST)

Djokovic* 6-3, 6-3, 3-4 Tsitsipas (* denotes next server)

Djokovic mutters at his box after a fantastically placed forehand winner. A Tsitsipas volley winner gets him out of a tricky position to make it 40-30. Neat hands from Stefanos. Djokovic sends his backhand into the net and Tsitsipas holds.

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Preview: Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, with 36 Grand Slam titles between them, are both just two wins away from creating more tennis history at Roland Garros but standing in the way in Friday's semi-finals are Stefanos Tsitsipas and Diego Schwartzman.

Tsitsipas is the first Greek player to reach the last four in Paris while the diminutive Argentine has put sport in perspective this week with his moving story of how his great-grandfather survived the Holocaust.

Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) v Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x5)

Head-to-head: Djokovic leads 3-2

Djokovic is chasing a second Roland Garros title and 18th Grand Slam to become the first man in half a century to win all four majors twice. It's such a rare achievement that only Don Budge and Rod Laver have managed it in the history of the sport.

French Open 2020 Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Semi Final LIVE Score and Update Tsitsipas takes third set

Djokovic is bidding to make the final for the fifth time and a 27th at the Slams. Image courtesy: AP

The world number one has four titles in 2020, carved out from 36 wins and just one loss - his now-infamous default at the US Open.

However, is the pressure beginning to tell? He dropped his first set of the tournament in his win over Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarter-finals and required treatment on his neck and shoulders.

"I had some neck and shoulder issues. I don't really want to get too much into it. I'm feeling okay," said the 33-year-old who was champion in Paris in 2016.

Djokovic is bidding to make the final for the fifth time and a 27th at the Slams.

Tsitsipas, 22 and playing in his second semi-final at the majors having also reached the last four at the 2019 Australian Open, has got stronger as the tournament has progressed.

After dropping the first two sets of his opener against Jaume Munar, he has swept the next 15.

Tsitsipas is bidding to become the youngest man to reach the Roland Garros final since 2008, when Nadal won the title and youngest to reach a Grand Slam championship match since the 2009 US Open, when Juan Martin del Potro won the title, 10 days short of his 21st birthday.

The Greek has only met Djokovic once on clay, a straight-sets loss in the 2019 Madrid final.

"An opponent is an opponent. Doesn't matter if he is injured or not," said Tsitsipas of Djokovic.

Diego Schwartzman (ARG x12) v Rafael Nadal (ESP x2)

Head-to-head: Nadal leads 9-1

Nadal, the 12-time champion, arrived in Paris virtually writing off his chances of equalling Roger Federer's all-time record of 20 Grand Slam titles.

However, the 34-year-old stands on the brink of a 13th Roland Garros final without dropping a set and having spent three and a half hours fewer than Schwartzman in getting to the semi-finals.

He remains cautious over his chances at a tournament being played in the cold and chill of autumn rather than its traditional May-June slot and after finishing his quarter-final against Jannik Sinner at 01:30 on Wednesday morning, he said it was "dangerous for the body with these very heavy conditions".

Nadal's late night on Tuesday was mostly caused by Schwartzman needing more than five hours to defeat US Open champion and third seed Dominic Thiem in five sets to reach his maiden semi-final at the majors.

French Open 2020 Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Semi Final LIVE Score and Update Tsitsipas takes third set

Nadal is on the brink of a 13th Roland Garros final without dropping a set. Image courtesy: AP

By contrast, Nadal is in his 34th.

However, Schwartzman will be buoyed by defeating Nadal for the first time in 10 attempts on clay in Rome on the eve of Roland Garros.

Affectionately known as "El Peque" ("shorty"), 28-year-old Schwartzman is a mere 5ft 6in (1.68m) and the smallest player in the world's top 50.

"I was perfect today. I think I'm going to be perfect in the semi-final," said Schwartzman, having won his first Grand Slam quarter-final after three previous failures.

With inputs from AFP.

Updated Date: October 10, 2020 00:35:44 IST

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