'I needed a bit of luck against Novak Djokovic in Paris,' says Stefanos Tsitsipas

Competing in his second Major semi-final, Stefanos Tsitsipas made Novak Djokovic run for his money at Roland Garros last year, with the Serb prevailing 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1.

Stefanos played on a high level in the opening five matches to secure the semi-final berth, challenging Novak for almost four hours and falling in the decider after a leg injury that prevented him from showing more.

Novak won the opening two sets after producing better tennis when it mattered the most, looking good to seal the deal in straight sets and save energy for the final. Stefanos had other plans, though, fending off a match point at 4-5 in the third set and taking three straight games to steal it and force set number four.

The youngster saved ten out of 11 break points and grabbed four consecutive points on the return at 4-5 to seize the set and deliver a decider. Bouncing back, Djokovic scored three straight breaks in the final set to seal the deal and enter the fifth Roland Garros final.

"It was sad that it ended that way. But at the same time, I'm proud because I fought very hard. I was the determined Stefanos; I was the Stefanos that went out and was fully focused and committed to my work and my craft; that was excellent. Roland Garros was an excellent tournament; I really hope I have more like this in the future, and maybe a little bit more luck, that wouldn't hurt either," Stefanos Tsitsipas said.