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Serbia secured first place in Group E of the United Cup in Perth and can face hosts Australia on Wednesday within the quarter-final match. A problem that was something however easy for Novak Djokovic and his crew. Olga Danilovic tried to realize the feat in opposition to Marketa Vondrousova, who took residence the victory in three units with the ultimate rating of 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
Along with his again virtually in opposition to the wall, Djokovic took to the courtroom with the intention of equalizing the rating once more. Nole began the match off nice by virtually cornering Jiri Lehecka, who was unable to do something in opposition to the sport imposed by the winner of 24 Grand Slam titles and misplaced the primary set with a transparent 6-1.
The match, which gave the impression to be in absolute management of the Serbian, took a stunning flip within the second. A wrist harm has considerably restricted the ATP No.1. The Czech tennis participant took benefit of this and courageously prolonged the match to the third set after profitable the tie-break 7-3.
Within the third set Djokovic tailored to his bodily downside and reacted like a champion to the difficulties. Lehecka surrendered and suffered one other very extreme and considerably sudden 6-1. In doubles, it was Hamad Medjedovic who paired with Olga Danilovic to face the duo of Miriam Kolodziejova and Petr Nouza.
The Serbian crew by no means misplaced its willpower and want to win, even when it was down 5-1 within the first set, and was capable of come again to win the ultimate tie-break match (4-6, 7-6, 10 -8).
On the finish of the match Nole expressed his satisfaction together with his crew’s victory, additionally speaking concerning the wrist downside suffered earlier than the match.
Nonetheless, doubts stay associated to the wrist harm, regardless of Nole himself outlined it not too worrying. Within the subsequent few hours will probably be understood whether or not this downside will have an effect on the Serbian in his strategy in direction of the 2024 Australian Open.
What is definite is that if Djokovic doesn’t get well in time, the scenario forward of Melbourne may turn out to be advanced for him.
The phrases of Novak Djokovic
The Serbian champion has been affected by a wrist harm which is a bit worrying in view of the following Australian Open.
“I hope it is nothing critical, it occurred in at present’s warm-up earlier than the match. Principally I underwent fixed therapy earlier than the match, in the course of the match, after the match, to attempt to remedy the issue I am dealing with at present in the absolute best manner.
It is not the primary time I’ve confronted the sort of circumstance at such a excessive degree {of professional} tennis. I believe it isn’t a giant downside, as a result of I nonetheless managed to complete the match and play properly, though possibly I did not really feel 100%, but it surely nonetheless allowed me to complete the match.
Clearly it is a bit of worrying. I hope to have sufficient time to get well for tomorrow’s match in opposition to Australia, which can be held within the afternoon, so extra time for us,” clarified Djokovic.
Within the subsequent around the 36-year-old Serbian will face residence idol Alex de Minaur.
“No matter who’s on the opposite facet of the online, I attempt to make my contribution to my nation. This week we stated a number of occasions that we’re an important crew, we’re creating nice chemistry. Whatever the crew we play in opposition to, we wish to win.
Tomorrow we play in opposition to a house nation, the stadium will in all probability be packed. They’re very robust, particularly in doubles and in addition in singles, they’re very full. I believe the blended doubles we gained at present and some days in the past in opposition to China was a nice shock for us, given the shortage of doubles gamers.
We all know that if it is 1-1 after singles we’re in all probability not favorites in opposition to anybody, however we’ll undoubtedly combat till the tip,” stated Nole. The ATP No.1 then commented on his efficiency in opposition to Lehecka: “I began very properly, however he managed to show the scenario round.
I believe he was very constant from the center of the second set till the tip of the set, and he deservedly gained the second set. I lowered my degree, I did not serve properly, like within the first and third units, however the credit score goes to him, he was extra aggressive, he moved properly and was good.
I believe it was thrilling for the group to see a hard-fought second set and take the match to the third. For me it was important to make a break initially, which I did. The third set was actually good for ending the match the way in which I ended it and feeling good about my recreation”.
