WIMBLEDON: Novak Djokovic has become only the fourth man in the Open Era to win a 70th match at Wimbledon after downing a faltering David Goffin 6-4, 6-0, 6-3, in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
The four-time champion weathered the storm against his lackluster rival, who threatened during the early stages of their encounter. Dismantling Goffin’s game with the help of 24 winners as he converted seven out of his 10 break point opportunities.
“He started well. he was dictating the play from the baseline. Things could have gone a different way, who knows what the match would have looked like if I had lost the first set but I was very pleased with the second and third.” Djokovic told BBC TV.
Unlike their head-to-head record coming into the match, which was 5-1 in Djokovic’s favor, the world No.1 was initially given a stern test by the Belgian. A player contesting his first Wimbledon quarter-final at the age of 28. Goffin’s combination of slice and power provided Djokovic with plenty to think about as he has saved a trio of break points during his two opening service games.
It would be in the seventh game where the Serbian would buckle. A blistering forehand down the line from Goffin rewarded him another chance to break for 4-3, which he finally did with the help of a mistake from across the court. Prompting a huge cheer at the premier venue of The All England Club.
The scare was a wake-up call for Djokovic, who bounced back immediately by breaking. Regaining his footing in the match, an elevation in intensity sprung new life into his tennis. Engaging in lengthy rallies, it was then Goffin’s turn to blip and he did so at the worst possible time. A forehand into the net gifted Djokovic two set points. He then triumphed on his first with the help of another error from the world No.23.
Djokovic’s momentum continued into the second frame as he broke on route to a 2-0 lead. Drawing more errors from Goffin’s forehand, which started to misfire more frequently as the match progressed. Suddenly the threat the reigning champion faced was no more as he raced to a 2-set lead in clinical fashion. Triggering loud gasps from the crowd. It was only the fifth time Djokovic has bagelled a player on the tour this season and the third at grand slam level.
After claiming 10 consecutive games in a row, Goffin finally got back on the scoreboard during the early stages of the third set. However, it wasn’t enough to turn proceedings around as Djokovic cruised towards victory. Closing the match out on his first chance with the help of error No.22 from Goffin.
“I had a tough match in the third round. Other than that, I’ve won in straight sets and played really well throughout the tournament.” Djokovic reflected about his Wimbledon run this year.
“It’s exactly what I wanted and hopefully I can go in the right direction in the semis as well.”
As a result on his 70th victory at the grass-curt major, Wimbledon has become Djokovic’s most successful grand slam in terms of matches won. However, it is only slightly ahead of the US Open (69 wins), French Open (68 wins) and the Australian Open (68 wins).
Djokovic will play Roberto Bautista Agut or Guido Pella in the semi-finals on Friday.
