French Open: Novak Djokovic drops first set against Philipp Kohlschreiber but recovers
The world number one was playing his first match since learning of the death of his childhood coach and mentor
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Novak Djokovic recovered from his first dropped set at this year's French Open to beat Philipp Kohlschreiber and reach the quarter-finals in Paris.
The world number one was playing his first match since learning of the death of his childhood coach and mentor, Jelena Gencic, two days ago.
Djokovic was told after beating Grigor Dimitrov and was too upset to talk to the press.
He certainly started sluggishly in cold and breezy conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier, and Kohlschreiber took full advantage.
The German 16th seed has a fine one-handed backhand - half the quarter-finalists in the men's singles use the single hander - and he broke serve in the fifth game.
Kohlschreiber needed a lucky break to take the set, saving two break points himself before clinching it when his backhand hit the top of the net and dropped dead.
Djokovic's only loss to Kohlschreiber came at Roland Garros four years ago. The Serb is a much better player now, of course, but he had the same listless air as when he found himself two sets down against Andreas Seppi at the same stage last year.
He fought back then and he did so again today, gradually upping his level, although Kohlschreiber will look back on only two of 13 break points taken and see a missed opportunity.
It was particularly the case in the second set, when Djokovic was still well below par, and when Kohlschreiber did finally break for a second time it was when his opponent was serving for the match.
Djokovic made no mistake the second time, clinching a 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory in two hours and 42 minutes to set up a last-eight clash with 12th seed Tommy Haas.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments