Novak Djokovic wrapped up a four-set victory in opposition to big-serving Alexei Popyrin on a dismal 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 possibilities he earned.
“It was one other robust match. I didn’t anticipate something lower than what we skilled on the courtroom in the present day from Alexei. I knew he was going to return to the match with confidence, lots of self-belief. He was near profitable once we performed in Australia earlier this 12 months. With that serve and highly effective forehand, he’s harmful on any floor. He was the higher participant within the first set. I performed second and third, and the fourth was anyone’s recreation. He was serving very properly. It was very troublesome to learn his serve,” stated Nole. “It was only a very difficult match, mentally as properly to hold in there. I’m not allowed to have too huge focus lapses. I feel I’ve achieved properly in that regard in among the finest tie-breaks I’ve performed this 12 months, that’s for positive.”
Match statistics: aces (19-19), double faults (3-4), winners (53-52), unforced errors (18-31), whole factors gained (135-111).
Novak will tackle no.15 seed Holger Rune subsequent (3-2 H2H report). The Dane defeated Quentin Halys in 5 units.
Picture: AP
