Novak Djokovic OUT of French Open – Marco Cecchinato in SHOCK at victory
World No 22 Djokovic had been expected to breeze through the challenge of his 25-year-old rival, with Eurosport pundit Annabel Croft claiming the Sicilian was facing an almost-impossible task prior to today’s game.
Greg Rusedski admitted he had been impressed by a “flamboyant” Cecchinato but also tipped Djokovic to qualify for the last four – but he too was wrong after the world No 72 triumphed 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 1-6 7-6 (13-11) at Roland Garros.
Speaking immediately after the match, an emotional Cecchinato said the victory felt surreal.
Cecchinato was unseeded for the French Open but has now reached the final four
"Are you sure [I won]? Maybe I am sleeping,” he said.
“It's amazing. It's unbelievable for me. I am very happy because it is unbelievable to beat Novak Djokovic at a quarter-final in Roland Garros.
"I started very well on my serve and, phew... I was so tired, but I won the match... amazing.
"It is the first time in a semi-final in a Grand Slam. Now I need to think for the semi-final, summarise for recovery and I am very happy."
Djokovic was beaten in four sets 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 1-6 7-6 (13-11)
Cecchinato beat eight-seed David Goffin in the previous round to set up today’s clash with Djokovic.
Prior to this year’s tournament at Roland Garros, Cecchinato never won a main-draw match at a Grand Slam.
But he can now boast wins over Goffin, 10th seed Pablo Carreno-Busta and 12-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic.
Cecchinato will face Dominic Thiem in the semi-final; Austrian Thiem beat Alexander Zverev in straight sets earlier today.
