Novak Djokovic Rolls Over John Isner in Beijing - UBITENNIS

Novak Djokovic Rolls Over John Isner in Beijing

By Alex Burton
3 Min Read

 

Djokovic thrashed Isner
Djokovic thrashed Isner

Novak Djokovic continued his supreme form in Beijing by thrashing John Isner in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.

Djokovic got off to an excellent start, breaking Isner in the opening game after Isner missed three groundstrokes. Isner had led forty-love in that game. Djokovic then double faulted on his first service point, but quickly regrouped, not dropping another point in consolidating the original break.

Isner then had to work hard to hold stave off more break points in game three, as Djokovic was making a mockery of his biggest weapon, though he did finally hold from deuce.

Djokovic began to really run Isner in game five, as he won consecutive points courtesy of a well disguised lob and well judged lob. Isner escaped the game with big, angled serving. Isner could not escape in game six though, with the first point demonstrating just how good Isner needed to be to win. Djokovic chased down three corner balls before, a short volley from Isner won the point. Djokovic was forcing Isner to go all out, and the errors continued to flow form the American’s racquet, and Djokovic would easily earn the double break.

Djokovic, served out the set, breaking out some entertaining tennis for the Beijing fans, as Isner’s challenge quickly faded.

Isner did register the first game of the second set, holding instead of giving up the break. In Djokovic’s service game Isner tried coming to volley, but Djokovic found the pass. Isner miraculously chased down a ball for fifteen-all, but that was all the success he earned. Djokovic instead contrived to break to love in the next game, anticipating Isner’s every move, and breaking when he returned  serve at Isner’s feet.

Isner instead of giving up, forced himself to thirty in Djokovic’s next game. However, he ran around a forehand, which got him in a very awkward position, and the chance was gone.

Djokovic would break again, further denting the American No.1’s hopes, breaking for a fourth time, and he would serve for the match at five-two. He hit a serve down the middle that Isner could only frame wide on match point, and Djokovic sealed a comprehensive victory.

Djokovic will play David Ferrer, against whom he has a 15-5 record, winning the last nine. Isner is still in the hunt for a place at the ATP World Tour Finals, but will need to perform in the Shanghai Masters and the season-ending European swing if he is to qualify for the first time.

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