Novak Djokovic’s controversial rain delay and Serena Williams’ erratic performance weren’t the only talking points on day 12 of the French Open. No fewer than five historic tennis milestones was also achieved at Roland Garros.
Djokovic’s semifinal spectacular
Novak Djokovic has finally achieved something that even Rafael Nadal hasn’t during his career at Roland Garros. The world No.1 defeated Tomas Berdych in straight sets to become the first player in history to reach six consecutive French Open semifinals, surpassing the mark he previously held with Nadal and Roger Federer.
Most Consecutive Roland Garros semifinal appearances
Novak Djokovic 6*
Roger Federer 5
Rafael Nadal 5
Mats Wilander 4
*active streak
Austrian tennis history
Coming from a set and a break down, 22-year-old Dominic Thiem defeated David Goffin to reach his maiden grand slam semi-final. He is only the third Austrian man to reach the last four of a major tournament and the first since 2010.
Austrian semifinal appearances
Thomas Muster (1989, 1997 Australian Open, 1990, 1995 Roland Garros)
Jurgen Melzer (2010 Roland Garros).
Dominic Thiem (2015 French Open).
Only one Austrian man has reached a grand slam final. Muster achieved the historic milestone when he won the 1995 French Open.
Semi-final No.30 for Djokovic
Nine years after his first run to the last four at a major tournament, Djokovic finds himself third on the all-time list for most semifinal appearances. He is now only one away from equalling Jimmy Connors second place record.
All-time grand slam semifinalist list
Roger Federer 39
Jimmy Connors 31
Novak Djokovic 30
Ivan Lendl 28
Andrew Agassi 26
A second milestone for Kazakhstan tennis
Yania Putintseva might have lost to Serena Williams in three sets, however, she will still be in the history books. Winning the first set against the top seed, the 21-year-old has become the second player from her country to take a set off a world No.1 on the WTA Tour. The first player was Galina Voskoboeva, who lost in three sets to Amelie Mauresmo at the 2006 New Haven Open.
A Dutch dream comes true
Prior to the French Open, Kiki Bertens had never gone beyond the fourth round at a major tournament. Nevertheless, her win over Timea Bacsinsky takes her to the semifinals at Roland Garros. She is the first Dutchwoman to reach a major semifinal since Betty Stove at the 1977 US Open and the first at the Roland Garros since Marijke Schaar in 1971.
