“This match potentially deserved to get into the fifth,” Novak Djokovic avoids Jacob Fearnley scare to get into Wimbledon Round 3

Djokovic is set to face Australian Alexei Popyrin next.

“This match potentially deserved to get into the fifth,” Novak Djokovic avoids Jacob Fearnley scare to get into Wimbledon Round 3

Novak Djokovic and Jacob Fearnley (Via Imago)

Novak Djokovic continues to build on his strong record at Wimbledon, beating Jacob Fearnley in the second round despite a bit of a scare. He got past the free-hitting British wild card, who put up a strong fight while being backed by a vocal crowd.

The two exchanged breaks at the start of the game and kept trading blows before the Serbian amped up the intensity and won the first set. He built on the lead by taking the second set too and looked to be on course for a straight sets win. However, things soon got difficult for the former World No. 1.

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While Fearnley started hitting better, it seemed like Djokovic began to make more unforced errors and dropped his intensity. Though he was fine physically, he struggled to middle the ball and lost important points, which cost him the third set.

FS Video

The fourth set looked to be heading the home favorite’s way, with Fearnley continuing his fine work. However, Djokovic managed to pull up his socks to clinch the set, sealing the win 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5. After the match, he had high praise for his opponent and opined that the match should’ve been a five-setter.

This match deserved to go to a 5th set. Particularly the way he played in the 4th… But I’m really glad it didn’t.

Novak Djokovic said in his on-court interview

The 37-year-old has now extended his Wimbledon second-round record to 18 wins and one defeat.

Novak Djokovic acknowledges drop in performance

Another day and another Novak Djokovic win as he got past Jacob Fearnley in four sets to secure his place in the third round at Wimbledon. While the result ensures he remained on course for a title challenge, the match was highlighted by a drop in intensity towards the end, making the fans wonder if it was due to the knee surgery.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

He continued to wear the gray brace to support his right knee, which was recently operated on. However, in the on-court interview, he denied experiencing any pain and admitted that he was not at his best against the Brit.

I was feeling ok. Feeling alright. Don’t wanna be looking for any excuses of the performance today. Credit to Jacob. On my side, I should’ve done things better in the 3rd when I was a break up.

Novak Djokovic said

In the third round, Djokovic is set to face Australian Alexei Popyrin, who beat Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry in five sets. The Serbian faced Popyrin at the Australian Open earlier this year and won 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-3.

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