World No.1 Novak Djokovic experienced a harder than expected route into the third round of the US Open on Wednesday.
Taking on British No.2 Kyle Edmund the Serbian had to battle from behind to prevail 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, in his latest test at the New York major. Extending his perfect record in second round matches played at the tournament to 15-0. The showdown was a case of deja vu for Djokovic who also had to battle back from a set down against the world No.44 during their meeting at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships. Although his latest performance was far from a vintage performance from the title favourite who hit 34 unforced errors along with 51 winners.
“Kyle played a fantastic first set and didn’t do much wrong. He served very well and was aggressive from the back of the court,” Djokovic said during his on-court interview. “Usually his forehand is the weapon but his backhand, especially in the first set, was very strong and solid.’
“It was anybody’s game for the first set and a half. I made some breaks and then after winning the second set I felt more comfortable. I was returning better and started to read his serve better. I’m pleased with my serve as well.”
Edmund, who has lost five out of his six previous meetings against Djokovic, was the clear underdog from the onset given his opponents unbeaten start to 2020. Nevertheless, the Brit proved problematic for the top seed throughout the opening set. Each player had break-point opportunities early on but neither managed to convert which paved the way for a tiebreak. The cat and mouse chase continued with Edmund clinching a mini break with the help of a blistering 100 mph forehand winner before Djokovic once again clawed his way back. In the end, it was a single point that proved decisive to the outcome of the opener. At 5-5 a loose Djokovic forehand error handed Edmund a set point which he converted with an ace down the line.
After having his run of winning 10 tiebreakers in a row ended, Djokovic managed to regain his control in the match with the help of a sloppy Edmund service game during the early stages of the second frame. Visibly irritated by some of his shot-making, a single break was enough of a margin for the 17-time Grand Slam champion to level back up.
Averting the early danger whilst still trying to iron out his lacklustre play, the clear difference in level between the two players became more evident as the match progressed. As Edmund began to falter, a sub-par Djokovic still managed to dictate the proceedings en route to the finish line. Over the following two sets he dismantled opponents’ serve by breaking five times in total to clinch his 25th win in a row but not his most convincing.
“Overall, it was a very good test and I’m pleased to get through it,” Djokovic assessed of his latest performance.
Djokovic’s latest triumph is his 289th in the main draw of a grand slam tournament. Awaiting him in the third round will be Jan-Lennard Struff who defeated Michael Mmoh In straight sets. Djokovic boasts a 4-0 head-to-head lead over the German and defeated him 6-3, 6-1, at the Western and Southern Open last week.
“I obviously played a great match against him but it is different here. If we are going to play on the centre court (Arthur Ashe), he’s a big server and there is not much breeze in here so that probably helps the server,” Djokovic previewed of his clash with Struff.
“I like my chances.”
Djokovic will play his third round match on Friday.
