Sometimes, a rain delay can affect even the greatest of players, like how it seemingly impacted the fightback of a struggling Novak Djokovic at the Italian Open in Rome on Wednesday.
The Serb's quarter-final clash against Danish youngster Holger Rune was halted towards the end of the second set because of the weather, just when he was on the mend after having issues physically and losing the first 6-2.
When play resumed, the 35-year-old managed to win the second set 6-4 but failed to build on the momentum, when a slow start in the deciding set proved costly as he lost 6-2, 4-6, 6-2.
"It's really a big win for me," said Rune, who opened a 4-0 lead in the third set and never looked back.
"Obviously I did it last year in Paris as well, but every match is a huge challenge for me when I play against Novak.
"He's one of the greatest that's ever played the game. I knew I had to be at my best and I was today." Djokovic declared after the loss: "A new generation is here already."
This story is from the May 18, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 18, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Orchard Road to get virtual twin to woo younger shoppers
The model will mirror malls, shops, hotels from Wheelock Place to The Centrepoint
It's hot in Japan, but can Sony device beat heat here?
ST puts the 249 gadget to the test against bottles of ice-cold water and a portable fan
Top Afghan diplomat in India quits after $2.7m gold smuggling reports
Afghanistan's top diplomat in India resigned days after she was reportedly caught by the airport authorities smuggling nearly US$2 million (S$2.7 million) worth of gold into the country.
Foreign investors hope likely Modi victory will ease business roadblocks
Lack of free trade pacts, high import tariffs, land acquisition woes among their concerns
Rescuers save pets left behind in Indonesia volcano evacuation
People have fled from a remote Indonesian island where a volcano recently unleashed huge eruptions but some folk have braved the dangers to rescue abandoned animals.
Art therapist gives maids an avenue to express bottled up feelings
For the past 15 years, expressive art therapist Daphna Arbell Kehila has been working with shelter residents at the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home).
KOEPKA PEAKING FOR PGA
American rounding the corner’ ahead of next Major with LIV Singapore victory
BRIGHTON DIM VILLA'S HOPES FOR TOP FOUR
Pedro’s late strike earns O win; Chelsea hammer West Ham to lift European chances
BADMINTON GIANTS TOO GOOD AT HOME
China beat Indonesia for Thomas and Uber titles, losers happy with tune-up for Paris
ANT-MAN'S HEROICS NULLIFY NUGGETS
Edwards scores play-off career-high 43pts in Denver to give Timberwolves I-O lead
