Novak Djokovic advances to third round at US Open
After surviving a first round scare just two days prior, World No. 3 Novak Djokovic had another difficult match on Thursday against German Philipp Petzschner. It certainly was not the same five-set marathon that he faced from Viktor Troicki, on Tuesday, but it was tough nonetheless.
This time however, Djokovic did not have to battle scorching temperature’s that he endured playing in the day against Troicki, as he drew the “lucky” night draw for his second round tilt with Petzschner. Djokovic was able to win in straight sets 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(6), but Petzschner had his chances to extend the match.
During the first set, Petzschner was able to match Djokovic shot for shot with two eventually tied 5-5, however, Djokovic was able to get the first break of the match to take the opening set 7-5.
Djokovic raised his game in the second set often painting the lines with solid strokes from the baseline and appeared to be headed for a straight-sets victory after taking the second set 6-3. However, Petzschner was not going to go down without a fight.
After breaking for a 4-3 lead in the third and on the verge of victory, Djokovic was finally broken by Petzschner, who surprised Djokovic by leveling the match 4-4. Both players were then able to hold serve to head into the third-set tiebreaker. Petzschner continued to keep up the heat as the two were tied at 3-3 as they made the changeover. Djokovic was then able to build up a 6-4 lead but failed on two match points to close out the match as Petzschner was able to tie the score at 6-6. Djokovic was finally able to take the two-hour and 23-minute match taking the next two points with Petzschner’s return sailing long with Djokovic leading 7-6.
“It was very shaky at the end of the match, but I was very fortunate to hold on,” 2007 finalist Djokovic admitted to the crowd afterward.
Djokovic has now improved his record to 6-0 during night matches at the US Open and will now face American James Blake in the third round. Blake has struggled with a knee injury and has won consecutive matches only twice since June. However, Djokovic knows Blake is a dangerous opponent and is a fan favourite.
“James always plays well here,” said Djokovic. “He's been so many years on this level, winning against a lot of top players. He knows how it feels like to play on a big stage in important matches. He's a very aggressive player, and I have no doubt that he's going to have that mindset when we step on the court. He's going to try to take the ball early, and I have to be ready for that.”
Djokovic and Blake last met at the Beijing Olympics in the bronze medal match, with Djokovic winning in straight sets.
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