Novak Djokovic is just two wins away from claiming a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title after beating Marton Fucsovics 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon.
The world No.1 is through to the last four of a major tournament for the 41st time in his career which is the second highest tally in history after Roger Federer. Djokovic encountered some blips during his latest match at the All England Club but still managed to prevail with the help of 23 winners. Recording his third consecutive Tour win over Fucsovics and the 100th on the grass in his career.
“I’m aware of certain stats and obviously I love this sport with all my heart, body and soul,” said Djokovic. “I’ve been devoted to this sport since I was four and sometimes things do look surreal, but I try to live in the moment and not take anything for granted. Going for history is a huge inspiration for me.”
Whilst unseeded in the draw 29-year-old Fucsovics posed a stern challenge for the world No.1 after defeating a trio of top 25 players en route to becoming the first Hungarian man in the Open Era to reach the last eight at Wimbledon. Furthermore, he has taken a set off Djokovic in their two previous meetings which both took place on a hardcourt.
However, in their latest encounter it was one-way traffic for Djokovic from the onset as he sprinted to a 5-0 lead after just 18 minutes. The sublime defensive play of the Serbian during rallies proved too much for his opponent and forced him to produce a series of unforced errors. Back-to-back Fucsovics forehand mistakes granted Djokovic his first break of the match. Two games later it was a backhand into the net from the Hungarian which sealed the double break.
Despite the dominant start, a lapse in Djokovic’s concentration triggered a Fucsovics revival as he saved a quartet of set points during a three-game winning streak to close the deficit to 5-3. Prompting cheers from the crowd who were rooting for the underdog. Eventually the top seed closed out the opener after wrong footing his rival on his sixth set point opportunity.
Now engaged in a tighter encounter on Centre Court, Djokovic continued to weather the storm throughout the second frame until pouncing at a decisive moment. Tied at 4-4, two consecutive forehand mistakes from Fucsovics granted him a critical break for a chance to serve for a two-set lead. A task he achieved with relative ease in the following game.
Closing in on victory, the 34-year-old continued to win all of the mini battles on court as he saved four break points to nudge ahead 2-0 in the third. Emulating the second set it was a single break in Djokovic’s favor which proved decisive. A forehand mishit from Fucsovics elevated the defending champion to two match points and he triumphed on his first at the expense of yet another error coming from across the court.
“I think it was a solid performance. I started off really well and didn’t make too many things wrong in my game in the first six games of the match,” Djokovic commented on his latest performance.
“Then one break of serve in the second and third was enough to clinch the victory today.’
“I have to give credit to Marton for fighting and hanging in there, he has had a great tournament.” He added.
Djokovic has now won 77 matches at Wimbledon since making his main draw debut back in 2005 which is the third highest on the Open Era among men.
