Djokovic rides wave of support to last 16

Novak Djokovic credited a wave of support from the French Open crowd for helping him avoid an upset at the hands of Lorenzo Musetti in a thirdround thriller that ended 7-5, 6-7 (6-8), 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 in the early hours of June 2 morning.

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The world No. 1 is renowned for his willpower and stamina but conceded his title defence had been on shaky ground when his Italian opponent took a two sets to one lead during the 42-hour match.

"I was in real trouble on the court and he was playing some really amazing tennis. I didn't know really what to do," the 37-year-old said.

"From both hands, he was getting a lot of balls back, winners from both corners. Good serves, running every ball down the court. It didn't feel great playing him that third set and the beginning of the fourth.

"The (crowd) start chanting my name and I just felt a great new wave of willpower and energy. I really needed that push, I really needed that energy.