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 probabilities he earned.
“It was one other robust match. I didn’t anticipate something lower than what we skilled on the court docket at present from Alexei. I knew he was going to come back to the match with confidence, a whole lot of self-belief. He was near successful after we performed in Australia earlier this yr. With that serve and highly effective forehand, he’s harmful on any floor. He was the higher participant within the first set. I performed an excellent second and third, and the fourth was anyone’s sport. He was serving very effectively. It was very troublesome to learn his serve,” mentioned Nole. “It was only a very difficult match, mentally as effectively to hold in there. I’m not allowed to have too huge focus lapses. I feel I’ve carried out effectively in that regard in the most effective tie-breaks I’ve performed this yr, that’s for positive.”
Match statistics: aces (19-19), double faults (3-4), winners (53-52), unforced errors (18-31), complete factors received (135-111).
Novak will tackle no.15 seed Holger Rune subsequent (3-2 H2H document). The Dane defeated Quentin Halys in 5 units.
Picture: AP
