Novak Djokovic prevailed in a very exciting three-hour and twenty-minute match in Belgrade, coming back to win against Laslo Djere 2-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(4).
Djokovic earned a rare win this season. The Serbian overcame rustiness and adversity to complete a comeback win against compatriot Djere at the Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade.
The experienced Serbian fed off the Belgrade crowd, who supported him vigorously throughout the match, erupting with joy when the umpire called game, set, and match. As he lacks matches, Djokovic once again looked very rusty.
He moved slowly, was late on shots, and was not able to create the sort of angles he usually goes for. Djere was overall very solid later on, and he could cruise in the first set, winning it 6-2.
Later on, things changed a little bit as Djokovic played a bit better, putting pressure on his opponent early. Still, Djere held firm and eventually broke his country's legend for a 4-3 lead.
A vintage game by Djokovic brought the score back to 4-4, and the set went into the tie-break. Djokovic proved better, winning by the slightest of margins, 8-6, even coming close to a loss a couple of times.
The 34-year-old Serbian did not look that much better in the third set, 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 it, so once again, it was the tie-break that decided the match. Djere was a bit sharper with a 4-3 lead, but he sent a wide-open forehand into the net to make it 4-4.
After that, he lost his focus, 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.