By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Broken in his opening service sport of the primary and final units, Novak Djokovic was taking part in catch-up all day in opposition to Holger Rune.

The 20-year-old Dane dethroned defending Rome champion Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 to achieve the Rome semifinals in his match debut.

More: Rune Dethrones Defending Champion Djokovic in Rome

World No. 1 Djokovic credited Rune for a well-deserved win—then issued a defiant vow for Paris.

Bring it in best-of-five at Roland Garros.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion says he is assured going 5 in opposition to any opponent on any floor.

"I know I can always play better," Djokovic advised the media in Rome. "Definitely am looking forward to working on various aspects of my game, of my body, hopefully getting myself in 100% shape. That's the goal.

"I at all times like my probabilities in Grand Slams in opposition to anyone on any floor, best-of-five. Let's see the way it goes."

While red-clay rust and a soggy, choppy court did not help Djokovic's cause today, the truth is Rune outplayed the top seed. Rune converted five of 10 break points and committed 20 fewer unforced errors beating Djokovic for the second time in a row following his Paris Masters final victory last November.

Still, Djokovic has been commanding going the distance.

The Wimbledon winner owns an outstanding 37-10 career record in five setters.

Asked if he views this Roland Garros as the most wide-open in years, Djokovic said it depends on one man: 14-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal. King of clay Nadal has not played a match since falling to Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open last January.

"It relies upon if Nadal performs or not," Djokovic said. "But subsequent to him in fact Alcaraz, Rune, these guys are proper there within the competition, a number of the largest favorites to win the title."

Photo credit score: Srpska Open Facebook

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