Novak Djokovic won his first five-set Major game on his Wimbledon debut in 2005. This came against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez after two sets to zero, and a triumph of 3-6, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-4, in four hours and eight minutes.
Recognized as one of the greatest gladiators in the world of tennis, Novak always gave his best, fighting for every point and refusing to make it to the toughest matches.
This Friday, Novak took his 30th victory in five sets in a Major tournament, overtaking Pete Sampras and joining Roger Federer at the top of this ranking. Novak had to face his rival on the other side of the net and an injury at the same time, but he was able to overcome both to take another important step forward.
The Serbian beat Taylor Fritz by 7-6, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-2, in three hours and 25 minutes, playing well in the last set despite a muscle tear, to win his 30th triumph in five sets on the biggest stage.
The young American did his best to challenge the world leader and stay competitive, rebounding 5-2 in the first set to reach a tie-break and suffering only one break in the second set.
Despite this, Novak claimed both sets to forge a huge advantage, while looking well on course to seal the game in 3 sets and secure a comfortable victory over beloved Rod Laver Arena.
Novak Djokovic got his 30th major five-set win over Taylor Fritz
His plans could have come crashing down in an instant when Djokovic began to suffer a nasty muscle injury, after a slip early in the third set.
Djokovic lost strength in his punches and Fritz took advantage of it, claiming the next two sets to force a decider and have a chance to topple Novak for his best career victory.
Instead, the Serbian sort of recovered his punches early in the fourth set even though he lost it. He was able to raise his level to give his fans hope before the last and fifth set.
Fritz couldn’t keep pace with Novak and neither did he manage to impose his punches, losing ground in the decider to send Djokovic to the top with a double break. Novak did not train last Saturday, but he was still able to recover by using analgesics (painkillers) to beat Canadian Milos Raonic.
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