LONDON: Novak Djokovic has reached his first ATP final of the year after edging his way past Jeremy Chardy 7-6(5), 6-4, at the Fever-Tree Championships.
The former world No.1 went into the match with a perfect record against the 31-year-old. Djokovic lead their head-to-head 10-0, winning all of those in straight sets. This time round, the Serbian was taking on a rejuvenated Chardy following his recent success on the grass. Prior to Queen’s, Chardy has won a Challenger title in Surbiton followed by reaching the final of an ATP 250 event in s-Hertogenbosch. Nevertheless, it was not enough to tame a player of Djokovic’s caliber. Who sealed win No.801 on the ATP Tour with the help of five aces, 28 winners and only 10 unforced errors.
“It was very pleasing to go through to the final. It’s been a while since I’ve played for a title so it’s a special moment considering what I have been through,” Djokovic said.
“It’s a great occasion. I would lie if I say I wasn’t ambitious coming into the tournament so I’m hoping I can go all the way.”
During what was one of his most testing matches yet against the Frenchman, Djokovic was pushed to his limits. Throughout the opening set neither player refused to surrender their serve with 12 games going by with no break point opportunities. It wasn’t until the tiebreaker where Djokovic earned his breakthrough. Prevailing on the crunch points of the match, a stunning backhand down the line elevated him to a 5-2 lead. Chardy continued to fight, but it was Djokovic, who came out on top. Benefiting from a forehand error from his opponent to clinch the first set.
Continuing to fight his way through what was a match of fine margins, an animated Djokovic grew frustrated at the stiff resistance he faced. Two break points in two different games came and went for the Serbian as Chardy displayed tennis that exceeded his current ranking of 61st. It looked as if another tiebreaker beckoned until Djokovic provided some more magic. At 4-4 a forehand winner to the corner of the court rewarded him two further break points. This time he converted after a deep return elevated him to 5-4. Making Djokovic the first player in the tournament to break Chardy. Serving for a place in the final was no trouble for the 12-time grand slam champion. Who slammed a winning forehand volley past his opponent to secure a final showdown with Marin Cilic.
Due to his eight-year hiatus from the tournament, Djokovic will play in only his second Queen’s final and first since 2008. He will lock horns with Cilic for the 16th time on the tour and has won 14 out of their 15 previous meetings. Although Cilic’s sole win occurred when they last met at the 2016 Paris Masters.
“I’m feeling confident on the court, feeling great. I had a lot of matches in this last month and a half, and I feel that my game is where it needs to be at the moment. And hopefully I can deliver again in tomorrow’s match.” Said Cilic.
A win on Sunday would reward Djokovic with only his fifth title on the grass and his first at ATP 500 level. His previous triumphs on the surface was at Wimbledon (2011, 2014 and 2015) as well as last year’s Eastbourne International.
