Djokovic almost lost at Paris Masters due to stomach ache

France's Novak Djokovic won his 15th consecutive match, defeating Tallon Griekspoor 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 in the third round of the Paris Masters on November 2.

Leading 4-1 in the first set, Djokovic lost five games in a row and lost the set, then had to call for medical attention. When he returned, the world number one failed to win a single service game in the second set and was dragged into a tie-break. There, Nole's mettle was shown with a 7-2 victory to take the match to the deciding set. Despite continuing to struggle in the third set, Djokovic still overcame in the pivotal game to win 6-4 and advance.

Djokovic in an attempt to save the ball during the win over Griekspoor on Centre Court at Accor Arena on November 2. Photo: RS

After the match, Nole revealed that he had stomach problems. "I started well but quickly ran out of breath," he said after the match. "I've been struggling with my stomach for the last few days and wasn't in the best condition. In the second set, I was mostly just trying to hold my serve and wait for the tie-break. I got lucky in that set and started feeling better from the third set."

Djokovic also said he did not want to use a stomach ache as an excuse to overshadow Tallon Griekspoor's brilliance. According to Nole, the Dutch player played at a high level and also deserved to win.

Griekspoor ran off 10 straight points to win the first set. The world No. 23 put Nole under pressure with his heavy serve and forehand. He had three break points in the second set but missed them all. In the third set, Griekspoor drew level at 4-4 after falling 2-4, but lost eight points in a row.

Djokovic has won 27 of his 32 tie-breaks this season, the most on the ATP Tour. He has reached the quarter-finals in 10 of his 11 tournaments since the start of the year. His next opponent on the road to a seventh title at the Paris Masters is defending champion Holger Rune, who defeated the Serbian in last year's final.

Rune, who has been in fine form since teaming up with former Djokovic coach Boris Becker, eased past Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 6-3 in the third round and will be looking for his third win in four meetings with Nole.

The Rune - Djokovic match will take place at 1:30 a.m. on November 4, Hanoi time. The remaining three quarterfinal pairs are Hubert Hurkacz - Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas - Karen Khachanov and Alex De Minaur - Andrey Rublev.

Vy Anh

Source link