Monday, March 25, 2019

Djokovic survives scare to advance in Miami



Miami - Novak Djokovic remains focus for a record seventh Miami Open title, but the world number one was made to fight all the way to the last 16 in a 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 victory over Federico Delbonis.

Djokovic is hoping to eclipse Andre Agassi's six ATP crowns in South Florida over the next week and although the 31-year-old endured some shaky moments at Hard Rock Stadium, he still possessed enough quality during the key moments to see off the battling Delbonis.

The Serbian wasn't happy with letting a 5-2 advantage slip in the first set and became furious with himself as the second squirmed from his grasp.

He will need to step up his game if he is to reach next Sunday's final with Roberto Bautista Agut waiting in the fourth round after the Spaniard defeated Fabio Fognini 6-4, 6-4.

"It was an exciting game and I am just happy that I managed to hold my nerve," Djokovic said. "I got down on myself and Federico started swinging."

Djokovic looked impressive in the second round win over Bernard Tomic and the Serbian continued his decent form by immediately imposing himself onto the Argentine.



The world number 83 struggled to contain Djokovic who was serving superbly and an early break saw the 15 time Grand Slam winner gain control.

Djokovic moved 5-2 ahead but after he missed a set point opportunity on the Delbonis serve, his game deserted him and suddenly, the South American had a spring in his step.

Delbonis had opportunities to steal ahead, yet calling on all his experience and mental resolve, the Serbian was able to hold firm and take the opener.

Delbonis continued to be competitive and brilliantly hit back after being broken for 3-1 which saw Djokovic hurl his racquet to the ground in utter frustration and receive a warning from the umpire.

The Argentine was hitting the ball excellently, especially from the back of the court, and another brilliant winner handed him two break opportunities which were taken when Djokovic sprayed long.

The world number one was getting really frustrated yet credit to Delbonis who stayed calm and served out confidently to force a decider, something which looked beyond him midway through the opening set.

He couldn't keep the pressure on, however, and when Djokovic managed to get 3-1 ahead, this time there was no way back for the 28-year-old from Azul who rightly received an ovation from the center court crowd for his great efforts.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Tottenham going to make bid for 'remarkable' Premier League star

  Tottenham are setting up a bid for Danny Ings of Southampton Ings has risen as Tottenham's top strike focus on this late spring, as Nu...