Corentin Moutet and Lorenzo Giustino faced each other in Round 1 of the French Open 2020. While many expected it to be an ordinary match, it turned out to be a historic game.
The match lasted for 6 hours and 5 minutes, making it the second-longest match in the history of Roland Garros. Additionally, it was the fourth-longest match in the history of Grand Slams.
In a match that saw a total of 459 points won by both the players collectively, Guistino defeated the Frenchman 0-6, 7-6, 7-6, 2-6, and 18-16. It was also the first Grand Slam win for the Italian player Guistino.
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Record Fifth-set scoreline makes French Open history
Lorenzo Giustino wins the 8th longest ever singles mach in tennis' history, beats Corentin Moutet 0-6, 7-6(7), 7-6(3), 2-6, 18-16, in 6h05, to reach the 2nd round at the #RG20. pic.twitter.com/vpnRRoNEZP
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 28, 2020
The fifth set scoreline was 18-16, a record for French Open’s red clay. It was almost as if nobody will give up at any point. Surprisingly, Giustino won only 34 games as compared to Moutet’s 40 but still ended on the winning side.
Fabrice Santoro and Arnaud Clement held the earlier record, with the fifth set scoreline being 16-14. The match between the two lasted for 6 hours and 33 minutes, the longest match so far in the French Open’s history which Santoro won 6-4, 6-3, 6-7, 3-6, and 16-14.
Who could have possibly thought that after losing the first set 0-6, the Italian player would make such an impossible-looking comeback! In the end, Giustino not only turned the tables but also registered his name in history. Playing 6 hours is not a joke, requiring a lot of sweat and determination.
Points won
Moutet – 242
Giustino – 217+25 points (an entire set) and still lost the match.
Tennis is brutal and unique. https://t.co/7lGRGGfium
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 28, 2020
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Lorenzo Giustino will next face the new sensation, Diego Schwartzman, who recently defeated World No.2 Rafael Nadal on clay. The Argentine even reached the finals of the Italian Open 2020 but lost to World No.1 Novak Djokovic.
Also Read: French Open 2020 Draw
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