TENNIS – World’s number 2, Novak Djokovic took on Tommy Robredo (16) for the first spot in the quarterfinals at the Master Series 1000 Sony Open Tennis tournament and from the beginning there was no doubt that the Serbian was going to move through to the next round. Cordell Hackshaw
World’s number 2, Novak Djokovic took on Tommy Robredo (16) for the first spot in the quarterfinals at the Master Series 1000 Sony Open Tennis tournament and from the beginning there was no doubt that the Serbian was going to move through to the next round. Robredo, 31, is a tough opponent and has within the last year or so rebuilt his career which was circling the depths of challengers and qualification rounds. Robredo is now firmly back in the top 20 and has had great success at recent majors. However, Djokovic was mindful of all this and he played with due respect to the abilities of the Spaniard.
In the 1st set, Djokovic got the early break at 3-1 as Robredo showed his discomfort at the net failing to put away the volley when down break point. The single break was all he needed to take the set 6-3 with a second serve ace. His footwork and court positioning were excellent in the 1st set. The constant squeaking of his shoes on the court could be heard throughout the match emphasizing Djokovic’s awareness that good footwork was essential to shot making in tennis. When he was able to get his 1st serve in, the Serbian was winning 78% of the points. Robredo on the other hand was being outclassed, outpaced and outmatched as he was only able to garner 2 winners for the set as opposed to the 7 from his opponent.
In the 2nd set, it was a different story. Robredo sensed the urgency of the situation and battled to stay with Djokovic. He was determined not to be blown off the court. The Spaniard served first and was able to hold serve comfortably for most of the set. He was able to get it to 5-5 but in the end, Djokovic was the better player and seized the chance when presented with his 2nd break point of the match. Djokovic converted and served it out to take the match 6-3 7-5. Djokovic was efficient though not brilliant in this set as he dropped only 6 points on serve throughout the set, never facing a break point.
Djokovic was contented with this efforts today stating, “I made him play an extra shot in important moments and that’s why I’m satisfied with the overall match today.” He is looking for his 4th title here and back-to-back Master Series titles (Indian Wells and Miami) as he did back in 2011 when he went on that unbeatable streak for the first half of the year. He next faces Andy Murray for a spot in the semifinals. Murray took out Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4 6-1.
