France's Novak Djokovic needed more than three and a half hours to defeat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6(4), 7-6(5), 6-2 in the third round of Roland Garros on June 2.
The match lasted only three sets, but it was not easy for Djokovic. In the first two sets, Nole was pushed into a corner by his opponent, but won both sets thanks to his determination at the decisive moment. After winning two tie-breaks, Nole used his excitement to close the match with a score of 7-6, 7-6, 6-2.
Djokovic celebrates winning the second set in a relaxed manner, as the audience cheers for his opponent Davidovich Fokina. Photo: AP
Djokovic lost his first two service games in the first set, but he was undaunted. Even at 5-6 down, he won a return game to force the first set into a tie-break, before winning the series 7-4 with a forehand return winner.
Davidovich Fokina continued to take an early lead in the second set, leading 2-0. But Djokovic came back in time, winning two return games to lead 3-2. The set saw Nole lose three service games, allowing Davidovich Fokina to lead 6-5. The Spaniard then had a set point in the next game, but Nole saved it. In the tie-break, Djokovic won 7-5 after overcoming some thrilling rallies. The first two sets lasted nearly three hours.
The French crowd continued to be hostile to Djokovic in this match. Nole was booed by fans at Philippe Chatrier Stadium when he called for medical attention after the second set. He responded by asking the crowd to continue booing. "They shouldn't boo him, because it only makes him play better," former players Mats Wilander and Tim Henman shared the same opinion when commenting on Eurosport .
The experts were right. When he came back in the third set, Djokovic did not give Davidovich Fokina a chance to win a single game, and twice used break-points to close out the match after more than three and a half hours. In the fourth round, Nole will face Juan Pablo Varillas - who defeated Hubert Hurkacz in five sets.
Main developments of the Djokovic - Davidovich Fokina match on June 2.
Djokovic improved his record against Davidovich Fokina to 3 wins - 1 loss. Last year, he lost to the Spaniard at the ATP 1000 Monte Carlo Masters. "I knew Davidovich Fokina was a tough opponent," Djokovic said after the third round match. "He doesn't have many weaknesses. If I lose the second set, the match can last up to five hours. Playing on the slowest surface, you need a lot of effort. I always believe in myself and I'm proud of my performance today."
Nhan Dat
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