French Open 2025: 'The strongest emotions I’ve felt' - Novak Djokovic reflects on Paris magic after French Open win over Filip Misolic
Updated 01/06/2025 at 09:39 GMT+1
Novak Djokovic booked his place in the fourth round of the French Open for the 16th consecutive time, and will face Cameron Norrie after breezing past Filip Misolic on Saturday. After the match, the Serbian recalled the intense emotions he has felt on the Parisian clay throughout his career, which included finally winning an Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games last summer.
Highlights: Djokovic beats Misolic as he powers on at Roland-Garros
Video credit: TNT Sports
Novak Djokovic said Roland-Garros is the scene of his "strongest emotions" on the tennis court after breezing into the French Open fourth round.
Djokovic beat Filip Misolic 6-3 6-4 6-2, set against the sound of fireworks exploding from Paris Saint-Germain's stadium nearby as the French club beat Internazionale 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League final in Munich.
He advanced to the fourth round for the 16th consecutive time to set up a clash with Britain's Cameron Norrie.
The Serbian has won the French Open three times in his career, but for all 24 of his major titles, one of his most emotional victories came in Paris last summer, when he finally claimed Olympic gold on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Djokovic said he had experienced "very strong emotions" on the Parisian clay in the past.
"Especially with what's happened the last few times I've been here," he said, speaking through an interpreter.
"My fifth Olympic Games and eventually I got the gold medal, very strong emotions because of that. The strongest emotions I've felt on the tennis court."
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Video credit: TNT Sports
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He continued: "Every time I step onto this court I'm playing for history. It's incredible, the sport that has given me everything in my life.
"To carry on being able to play for everyone in the stadium tonight shows how much I do love this sport. I want to give back the love and emotions that I experience when I'm playing."
The Serbian was entirely in control throughout his encounter with Misolic, who is a former training partner and good friend of Djokovic.
In beating the Austrian, Djokovic picked up his 99th win at the French major as the 38-year-old eyes a record-extending 25th major title.
"First match for me on the night session, obviously different," he said.
"Spent all the day looking forward to it, a bit of tension. I remember the last time I was playing here at night, the one that finished at six minutes past three in the morning with [Lorenzo] Musetti. I was hoping I wouldn't finish at three in the morning here.
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Watch as Djokovic wins opening point against Misolic in third-round clash
Video credit: TNT Sports
"He was solid during the big moments, all three sets. Filip had nothing to lose, a good friend, we trained together. We talked about that at the US Open. Austrian who is originally from Croatia so we speak the same language and I'm really happy for him.
"I'm glad that he played so well tonight and he deserves another round of applause."
Djokovic has won five out of his five matches against Norrie, who came out on top in an all-British battle with Jacob Fearnley.
Stream the 2025 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+
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