WIMBLEDON: Novak Djokovic continues to gain momentum in his bid for a fifth Wimbledon title after defeating Polish rising star Hubert Hurkacz 7-6, 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-4, in what was an at times tricky third round encounter.
The top seed was given a stern workout by the world No.48, who saved 13 out of the 17 break points he faced. Struggling to pull away from his opponent through a large majority of the encounter. Nevertheless, Djokovic still managed to prevail with a combination of both experience and an overall greater superiority in his game. Hitting nine aces and 45 winners past his rival.
“I congratulate Hurkacz for putting in a great effort today. He deserved the applause from the crowd.” Djokovic said during his BBC TV interview.
“He was fighting, hitting and serving well. Clean and accurate shots from the back of the court. it was a great fight the first couple of sets. He deserved to win the second.’
“Credit to him for playing high-quality tennis and I enjoyed it.”
Clashing in the main draw of a grand slam for the second time in a row, Djokovic was matched game-by-game throughout the opener. Seven break points came and went for the world No.1 before he finally had his breakthrough. A lengthy baseline exchange between the two concluded with a Hurkacz error to give Djokovic the break for 6-5 and a chance to serve the set out. An opportunity he seized with the help of a serve down the middle of the court which was unsuccessfully returned.
Despite the disparity between the two players in terms of experience underdog Hurkacz refused to give up. Fending off and frustrating Djokovic by saving numerous break points he faced. The effort made by the 22-year-old rewarded him in the second set. Twice he has a chance to level at 7-5 but failed to do so due to a duo of mistakes. However, with the help of some nifty diving volleys and solid defensive player, he prevailed in the tiebreaker. Hitting a serve out wide followed by a forehand winner to snatch the second frame.
The resurgence of his younger rival turned out to be the wake-up call Djokovic needed. Increasing the intensity in his shot-making, the Serbian hit back even harder. Seemingly dashing Hurkacz’s dreams of winning within the blink of an eyelid. 25 minutes was all that it took for the top seed to turn the match around as he raced through the third set. Dropping just five points behind his serve.
Averting danger, it was only a matter of time before Djokovic secured a placed in the fourth round of the tournament for the 12th time. Something that has only been achieved by three other men in the Open Era – Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker, and Roger Federer.
“I tried to focus on one point at a time starting from the third set. It was a long couple of sets and I just wanted to hold my serve and get as many returns back in play.” The 15-time grand slam champion commented about how he came back in the match.
In the fourth round, Djokovic will play either Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime or Ugo Humbert.
