David Goffin produced one of the best performances of his career to beat Novak Djokovic 6-2 3-6 7-5.
Brilliant. Bold. Stunning. These are three ways you could describe David Goffin’s performance over Novak Djokovic today in a thrilling three set win. It was brutal hitting, stepping up when it matters most beating Djokovic at his own game moving him around the court. He produced a clay court clinic in a stunning first set, which he claimed 6-2. Novak was stunned at the tennis Goffin was producing and had to switch gears if he even wanted to make this contest tight.
The second set was much better from the former world number one with a break in the fourth game enough to break the Belgian’s spirit as he took the second 6-3. Novak playing a much better set, being able to defend the Goffin storm and produce some magnificent tennis of his own. Goffin would need to find his tennis from the first set to win this match.
The final set saw Djokovic once again ride the Goffin wave to lead 2-0. Goffin was managing to hold serve though and obtain instant pressure on the Novak serve. The sixth game saw some phenomenal and outrageous tennis being played both competitors. Yes competitors, these weren’t normal players, these were competitors battling it out in a colosseum like atmosphere and David was trying to beat Goliath. Djokovic managed to wrestle a 12 minute game away from Goffin to lead 4-2. However Goffin would not be tamed and in the Serbian’s next service game he would break for 4-4. Djokovic was distracted by the awkward sunlight, but it didn’t matter Goffin was right back in it. It was a titanic battle which ended after two and a half hours as a diabolical mistake from Djokovic allowed the grab the match in the final set 7-5.
David Goffin will play Rafael Nadal or Diego Schwartzman in the semifinals. What a match. What a tournament.
