PARIS — Novak Djokovic was back within striking range of his first French Open title on Thursday after a 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 victory over Tomas Berdych.
As Djokovic recovered in the locker room and prepared to face the rising Austrian Dominic Thiem in the semifinals, one of Djokovic’s coaches, Marian Vajda, was in the players lounge speaking to two reporters and wrapping imaginary tape around the grip of an imaginary racket.
“Next time with the tape!” Vajda said, laughing about a situation that might well have been no laughing matter.
Up two sets on Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals but down 0-1 and a break in the third, Djokovic had a break point on Berdych’s serve at 30-40.