Novak Djokovic defeated Philip Mithoric in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in France’s third match at the Open. Winner, Djokovic’s 99th place at Roland Garos took 2 hours and 8 minutes to complete.
The No. 6 seed was fatal and accurate, earning 80% of his first serve points with five aces as he advanced to the fourth round of the tournament for 16 consecutive times. Misolic did not help his own cause by committing 22 forced errors in the match.
“I just want to continue. Every time I step into this court, I play for history,” Djokovic said after the game. “It’s an incredible sport that gave me everything in my life. I want to give back the love I experienced while playing.”
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The only obstacle Djokovic appeared to have encountered in court, and Philip Chatlier stimulated the noise of the crowd towards the end of the match. At various points he waited for the audience to serve until they were quiet.
Despite losing in a straight set, Philip Mithoric challenged Novak Djokovic in athleticism and shot-making in the third round match at the 2025 French Open. (Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
(Clive Brunskill via Getty Images)
Perhaps the audience was trying to help the wrong rally. Despite losing in straight sets, he fought Djokovic and never succumbed. The three-time French Open Champion simply overtook him.
However, it was likely that fans were restless about Paris Saint-Germain defending Inter Milan to win the Champions League title. Djokovic may have been frustrated as he wanted to see the Champions League final, but the scheduled night sessions prevented it.
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The audience was asked by the referee not to cause play interruptions. But they may have wanted to finish the match so that they could watch the end of the soccer final and participate in the celebration.
After the match, Djokovic said that waiting to play the evening session brought him memories of playing Lorenzomsetti in last year’s third round match, which lasted until 3am local time.
“I was hoping this wouldn’t finish at 3am,” he said.
Djokovic will face Cameron Nolly in the next round ahead of his quarter-final matchup with third-seeded Alexander Zverev.
