Novak Djokovic has completed his rain-affected fourth round encounter against Roberto Bautista Agut by defeating the world No.16 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, 7-5.
Play was halted on Monday as Djokovic lead the Spanish player 3-6, 6-4, 4-1. The damp conditions on Monday resulted in a below-par performance from the world No.1, who produced an uncharacteristic 34 unforced errors during the first two sets of the match as he struggled at times to match the inspired play produced by Bautista Agut.
Resuming play on court Philippe Chatrier, the overnight delay to the match rejuvenated both players as the quality displayed was a slight increase on the previous day. Attacking right away,
Djokovic broke immediately as he sealed the third set.
Boasting the two sets to one lead, the 11-time grand slam champion still had to contend with a spirited Bautista Agut, who was displaying the same play which had rewarded him with two ATP titles earlier this year. Djokovic had a double chance to break for 3-2 but failed to capitalized as his 28-year-old rival battled back to hold his service game with a world-class forehand down the line. The failure proved costly for the world No.1, who was still struggling with his shot selection. A wild backhand handed Bautista Agut the break for an unexpected 4-2 lead.
Facing the prospect of his first five-sets match at Roland Garros this year, Djokovic levelled once more with the help of an error-stricken service game from his opponent. Edging closer towards a tiebreaker, a risky drop-shot at 5-5 rewarded the top seed with a break point chance to serve for the match. Djokovic grabbed the break after a 19-shot rally concluded with Bautista Agut hitting the ball directly into the net. Serving for a place in the last eight, the unforced errors still continued to be fired from the top seed. Djokovic’s first match point failed to be converted after a well constructed rally finished with a smash at the net from the Spanish player. There were better fortunes on his second attempt after an easy volley at the net rewarded Djokovic with the win.
Djokovic haciendo de Djokovic #RolandGarros #RG16 pic.twitter.com/Fl5eoYYnhV
— マインドフリーク | MindFreak (@mfreak00) 1 June 2016
The roller coaster victory has booked Djokovic a place in his 28th consecutive grand slam quarter-final. A relieved world No.1 spoke highly about Bautista Agut following his win in Roland Garros.
“He’s a player with a lot of quality.” Djokovic said about the 28-year-old.
“Physically and mentally I’m very happy that I came through today.”
After his poor start to the match on Monday, Djokovic said that he was able to turn his fortunes around due to the advice given to him by two members of his team.
“My coaches had a few conversations with me after the first set and finally today I came to court with very good concentration and I’m now very happy.” The Serbian said about his win.
“I’m glad that I have been able to save a lot of energy for tomorrow,” he later added.
Regardless of the win, Djokovic will be far from satisfied with his overall performance. Five double faults along with 54 unforced errors was produced during his last-16 match. Now only three wins away from his maiden French Open title, Djokovic will play either Tomas Berdych or David Ferrer in the last eight.
