Novak Djokovic wrapped up a four-set victory towards big-serving Alexei Popyrin on a depressing Saturday at Wimbledon.
The second-seeded Serbian star was made to dig deep. He rallied from a set down to shut out a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3) win in three hours and 5 minutes and attain the final 16.
Novak broke twice from eight alternatives, whereas his rival transformed one break level from the 2 probabilities he earned.
“It was one other robust match. I didn’t anticipate something lower than what we skilled on the courtroom right now from Alexei. I knew he was going to return to the match with confidence, a variety of self-belief. He was near successful once we performed in Australia earlier this yr. With that serve and highly effective forehand, he’s harmful on any floor. He was the higher participant within the first set. I performed a superb second and third, and the fourth was anyone’s sport. He was serving very effectively. It was very troublesome to learn his serve,” mentioned Nole. “It was only a very difficult match, mentally as effectively to hold in there. I’m not allowed to have too massive focus lapses. I feel I’ve achieved effectively in that regard in the most effective tie-breaks I’ve performed this yr, that’s for positive.”
Match statistics: aces (19-19), double faults (3-4), winners (53-52), unforced errors (18-31), complete factors gained (135-111).
Novak will tackle no.15 seed Holger Rune subsequent (3-2 H2H file). The Dane defeated Quentin Halys in 5 units.
Photograph: AP
