Novak Djokovic, who was seeded third at the 2010 French Open, took a two-sets-to-love lead over Jurgen Melzer in that quarterfinal match. However, the Austrian came back to win 3-6, 2-6, 6-2, 7-6, 6-4 after a 4 hour 15 minute marathon.
The result was especially significant since it remains the only time in his career that Novak Djokovic has lost a match after winning the first two sets. It was also the only time that Melzer scored a win over Novak Djokovic, out of four singles meetings.
After his win over Novak Djokovic, Melzer went on to lose to then four-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal in the semifinals. That tournament marked the only time Melzer advanced past the fourth round in singles at a Grand Slam event, although he did win two doubles Slams and one mixed doubles Major title.
It was an honor to play in the era of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic: Jurgen Melzer
Jurgen Melzer also spoke about his experience of playing in the same era as the Big 3 of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal weren’t the only quality players Melzer had to deal with though. There were also the likes of Lleyton Hewitt, David Nalbandian and Nikolay Davydenko, who were all very tough to beat.
Melzer expressed pride at everything he has achieved in his career, saying that he couldn’t have asked for much more when he turned pro back in 1999.
The Austrian, who recently won the doubles title at the St. Petersburg Open with Edouard Roger-Vasselin, also revealed his own future plans in the interview. Melzer will take over the position of the sports director at the Austrian Tennis Association next year, and while 2020 is his last full season on the tour, he is open to playing a few big events next season.
0 votes
