Djokovic underwent surgery after tearing the medial meniscus in his right knee
The result – in terms of sets – was the same as last match, but the performance that accompanied the success can this time give more confidence to Novak Djokovic. The Serbian champion will have the chance to play the sixteenth eighth of the final at Wimbledon – only Roger Federer did better than him – thanks to the victory number 95, as Billie Jean King, obtained on the grounds of the All England Club.
Djokovic defeated Alexei Popyrin in comeback, an opponent who had created more than one headache in Melbourne this year, with the score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3).
Novak Djokovic’s physical condition is uncertain
During a long interview with Libero, Italian legend Adriano Panatta spoke about Novak Djokovic’s injury: “Let’s say there’s a big mystery surrounding him,” Panatta said. “How is he really? Is he bluffing? And his recently operated knee?
At 37, he’s not the ‘Djoker’ of the good days, but I would always be afraid to cross rackets with someone who has triumphed on Centre Court seven times.”
Djokovic got off to a great start against Popyrin on the serve, but experienced an unexpected pass in the sixth game.
The Serbian ace tried to cancel the break ball with the slap on the fly and Popyrin ruined his plans by hitting a decent passer. The Serbian also suffered in the opening of the second set: to save him 1-1 there was a providential ace caught from the deck at the right time.
In the next game the light was on and on the third break ball he mocked the Australian with an important and consistent passer. Djokovic increased the engine revs and even the score. Deciding the third partial in his favor was the inaugural game, because a straight off of Popyrin allowed him to walk a road downhill.
The former World No.1 did not suffer at the service and filed the set with a second ace. Total balance in the fourth half: both managed their beats precisely. Popyrin trembled on 5-5 but miraculously recovered from 0-40. Djokovic did not allow himself to be influenced by the untapped opportunities and played an impeccable tie-break.
