Novak Djokovic cruises into semis after ousting Jurgen Melzer – China Open 2012
Former world number one, Novak Djokovic, got the better of the Austrian top ranked star, Jurgen Melzer, with a breadstick at the China Open 2012 on Friday. He juggled up a 6-1, 6-2 victory against the 31-year-old to power into the final four at this outdoor hard court event held in Beijing, China.
Seeded top in this tournament, Djokovic needed 53 minutes to triumph over the Austrian in their fourth encounter at the National Tennis Center. After notching this victory, the Serb avenged his loss at the French Open last year and improved to a 3-1 lifetime in the FedEx ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Head 2 Head Series against the world number 37.
Djokovic stated in a courtside interview after conquering the Austrian veteran:
"I have stepped up at least a level in each match that I have played here. But I am trying to be more aggressive and to have more efficiency on my serve. The serve was great tonight. It's one of the best serving matches I have had in my career, so that's a positive sign. I will try to keep on going."
The 25-year-old unveiled his true colours after entering this ATP World Tour 500 Series event. With exquisite forehands and backhands from his arsenal of skills, the Serb reeled off last five games and ultimately pulled out the opener with a breadstick. He pocketed his entire serves without facing any trouble and cashed in both break chances to inch towards his fourth year-to-date title.
Currently ranked second in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Djokovic maintained his intensity in the proceeding set. He winded up the opening four games before Melzer could come on the score sheet. The Serb plucked his remaining serves with poise and clicked the set with a 6-2 win. He availed both break chances and dusted away all breakpoints he faced.
The Belgrade native fired 12 aces and dominated throughout the clash. He clobbered a better first serve share and impressively availed 24 out of 30 points on it.
Djokovic will next face Germany’s Florian Mayer who halted the local wild card entrant, Ze Zhang, in straight sets to set up this meeting.
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