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via Reuters

via Reuters

Novak Djokovic began his French Open 2020 in some style, taking the opening set 6-0 against unseeded Swedish player Mikael Ymer. The youngster was being taught a lesson by the world number one in the early stages of the match. However, Ymer ensured he left Roland Garros with a moment to remember, no matter the final result.

The youngster pulled off a tweener winner to stun Djokovic. It was quite reminiscent of a similar shot by Roger Federer against Djokovic, 11 years ago.

How Ymer pulled off the tweener winner

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Midway through the second set on Tuesday, the two players were involved in a good rally while Djokovic was serving at 3-2, up a break of serve. The Serbian superstar played a drop shot, which Ymer returned easily. Djokovic was waiting for the shot and hit a nice lob to send his opponent fetching.

Ymer got to the ball, and out of nowhere, hit a brilliant ‘tweener’ between the legs. Djokovic could only watch the ball sail past him for a winner. With this brilliant shot, Ymer finally had something to cheer about. Djokovic himself smiled and applauded the 22-year-old, making the moment even more special for Ymer.

via Reuters

When Roger Federer had stunned Novak Djokovic with a similar shot

The shot was a deja vu moment for Djokovic and would have reminded him of Federer’s shot at the 2009 US Open. Back then, in a similar rally, Federer had produced the tweener to bring up a match-point, leaving Djokovic in disbelief at the net.

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While we get to see quite a few tweener attempts these days, Federer’s attempt in the 2009 semi-final against Djokovic was what started the trend, to some extent. It was certainly a rare sight in those days. The fact that Federer hit the shot at a very crucial moment in the match also added to the excitement.

Coming back to Djokovic’s French Open 2020 match, it was ultimately a one-sided affair. However, the match featured a few skill shots. Djokovic also brought one out of his bag of tricks.

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Ymer could not pull off an upset like his countryman Robin Soderling had done against Rafael Nadal at the 2009 French Open. But the youngster will remember his shot and Djokovic’s applause for a long time.