Novak Djokovic prevailed in a very exciting 3 hours and 20 minutes match in Belgrade, coming back to win against Laslo Djere 2-6 7-6(6) 7-6(4).
Novak Djokovic got a rare win this season as the Serbian was able to overcome rustiness and all sorts od different adversity en route to a comeback win over a compatriot Laslo Djere at the Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade.
Djokovic fed off the Belgrade crowd, who supported him vigorously throughout the match, erupting with joy when it was called game, set, and match. As he lacks matches, Djokovic once again looked very rusty.
He moved slowly, he was late on shots, and generally, he was not able to create the sort of angles he usually goes for. Djere was overall very solid later on, and he was able to cruise in the first set 6-2.
Later on, things changed a little bit as Djokovic played a bit better, putting on pressure on Djere early. He held firm and eventually broke Novak for the 4-3 lead. A vintage game by Djokovic brought it back to 4-4 and the set went into the tiebreak.
Djokovic proved better, winning by the slightest of margins, 8-6, even coming close to a loss a couple of times. The Serbian did not look that much better moving forward, but Djere was slowing down.
At times he was seen breathing heavily clearly unable to keep up with Djokovic physically. Despite taking an early break in the set, Djokovic failed to confirm so once again it was the tiebreak that decided it.
Djere was a bit sharper with a 4-3 lead, but he slammed a wide-open forehand into the net to make it 4-4. After that, he collapsed completely, with Djokovic getting the win in the tie-break, 7-4. In the next round, the Serbian, who is focusing only on his tennis right now, will take on yet another compatriot, Miomir Kecmanovic.
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