Novak Djokovic overcame a pretty big challenge in Hubert Hurkacz at the 2023 Wimbledon despite the Polish player making things a bit interesting today by winning a set.
The match began on Sunday though rather late in the day which meant that it was abandoned after the second set. Djokovic had full control of the match at that point in time leading 2-0 in sets despite some pretty big chances for Hurkacz.
The Polish player had a great chance to take the opening set but missed out on it. He was up 6-3 but allowed Djokovic to win 5 points in a row to take that tiebreak 8-6. The second set went to a tiebreak as well and once again it was Hurkacz who had a chance but couldn't really convert it as Djokovic won 8-6 again.
The match resumed on Monday and Hurkacz continued to give Djokovic trouble with his serve. He eventually worked his way to two break points and while he didn't convert the first he did convert the second one. We were headed to a very interesting 4th set but it didn't quite end up being what many assumed it to be.
Hurkacz was looking very comfortable until he wasn't. At 3-3, he allowed the Serbian two break points and while he saved both of them he allowed another one. This time around we saw the break which was actually the first time Hurkacz was broken at Wimbledon this year. It only happened in the 68th service game of his Wimbledon campaign.
A total of 8 hours and 46 minutes of unbroken tennis for Hurkacz but who better to snap that incredible streak than the reigning champion? Well, it was the crucial game as Djokovic cruised to the finish line after that. The final score was 7-6(6) 7-6(6) 5-7 6-4 for the Serbian.
He had 18 aces and 44 winners as well as 16 unforced errors and survived a 33-ace effort from Hurkacz. Djokovic is set to face Rublev in the next round.