‘Probably the toughest match of 2021 for me,’ Novak Djokovic on his quarter-final win over Stefanos Tsitsipas
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Novak Djokovic
World No.1 Novak Djokovic showcased his class at the Foro Italico when he ousted 5th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach his 8th consecutive semi-final in Rome. It was gruelling battle between two of the best players in the world currently.
Tsitspas was leading almost the entire match but Djokovic used all his years of experience to pull out of a difficult situation everytime. The 18-time grand slam champion also regarded his 4-6,7-5,7-5 victory over Tsitsipas as the ‘toughest match of the year’ for him.
After the match, he said: “I had to dig very deep, but I believed I could win,you can always fight. He is in a fantastic shape, winning MC and with F in Barca. Today the conditions were different, ball was bouncing higher, yesterday was slow and muddy. Probably the toughest match of 2021 for me.”
Djokovic acknowledges the crowd support and says he is confident for the semi-final
The match was originally scheduled yesterday but due to rain was suspended half way through. Djokovic feels that he has played two different matches and the latter had a better start.
“There are many things to say about this match. I feel like we’ve played two matches, and we did. Yesterday he was the better player and started better today, but I’ve managed to hold my nerves and break his serve in important moments,” he said.
He also acknowledged the crowd support he got at the center court and said that with a bit of luck, mental strength and tactics he was able to cross the finish line.
“Support of the crowd was amazing, it’s great to play in front of them. Bit of luck, bit of mental strength and bit of the right tactics at the right time. One shot, not one point, one shot decided the winner today.”
Djokovic will face home favorite Lorenzo Sonego later today in the semi-final. The crowd, who were with him during Last 8 will switch sides and support their local hero.
He spoke about playing later today: “I have to find the energy. That is why I am here. I haven’t played too many matches this year, so I don’t feel to exhausted. Let’s see how I feel later on the court, but I hope to get another win today.”
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Lakshya Chopra
(2595 Articles Published)