Djokovic and Federer narrowly avoid last tango in Paris

Thursday, 7 June 2012 00:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer danced with danger at the French Open on Tuesday but there was to be no last tango in Paris as both emerged victorious to set up a repeat of last year’s semi-final.

World number one Djokovic displayed an iron will as he crossed a chasm of adversity to save four match points against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to keep alive his dream of holding all four grand slam titles at the same time.

The Serb eventually prevailed 6-1 5-7 5-7 7-6 6-1 and it was a similarly happy ending for Federer who recovered from two sets down to oust Argentine firecracker Juan Martin del Potro 3-6 6-7 6-2 6-0 6-3.

The women’s draw unfurled without the drama and intensity of the men’s as sixth seed Sam Stosur put out Slovak Dominika Cibulkova 6-4 6-1 to set up a semi-final encounter with unfancied Italian Sara Errani who upset German Angelique Kerber 6-3 7-6.

A guttural roar that could be heard halfway up the Eiffel Tower echoed around the hostile Philippe Chatrier court as Djokovic finally dispatched his fired-up French opponent.