No rest for the wicked: Novak Djokovic finally wraps up French Open ordeal at 3am

The world number one and defending champion's match was shoved back into the early hours due to the incessant rain which has seen this tournament dubbed the â˜Drench Open'.

That decision was taken early on during the match between Alexander Zverev and Tallon Griekspoor - which turned out to be a five-set, four-hour 13-minute marathon won by the German.

With downpours wrecking another day on the outside courts in Paris, Roland Garros chiefs decided to squeeze in an unfinished match under the roof on Court Phillipe Chatrier before Djokovic took on Lorenzo Musetti in the night session.

By the time Dimitrov had completed a four-set win - just shy of four hours in total - Djokovic, due to start at 8.15pm, finally got on the court at 10.40pm.

That meant Grigor Dimitrov's match against Belgian Zizou Bergs resumed at 7.45pm local time, with the score 6-3 2-1 to the Bulgarian 10th seed.

Having edged the first set, 37-year-old Djokovic slipped 2-1 down but dug deep to haul himself level.

In the deciding set, the Serbian was pathetically called for a time violation by umpire Adel Nour, losing his first serve. He pleaded, "Have a little bit of understanding. It's 4am."

It was actually only 3am, but he had a point - playing at that time should be a time violation in itself.

Nevertheless, at the ungodly hour of 3.08am, Djokovic finally wrapped up a 7-5 6-7 (6) 2-6 6-4 6-0 victory,

The 24-time grand slam winner said: "I need to say congratulations to Lorenzo, it's a shame someone had to lose.

"He played an incredible match and was very, very close to winning. It's very difficult to sleep with all the adrenaline, but I will try."

Djokovic will play Argentinian third seed Francisco Cerundolo in round four.

READ MORE: Alexander Zverev battles through five-set thriller to advance at Roland Garros