Rome (AFP)
The world No.1 Novak Djokovic had to work Friday to reach the quarterfinals of the Masters 1000 in Rome at the expense of his Serbian compatriot Filip Krajinovic (7-6, 6-3).
Less than ten days before Roland-Garros, exceptionally moved to the fall due to the coronavirus pandemic, Djokovic continues his rehabilitation on clay, which is not without some unusual hiccups, such as this double fault in the tie-break of the first inning on the first of his three set points.
A hooked first set that lasted almost an hour and a half!
"It is clearly one of the longest sets I have ever played! I did not really start the match as I would have liked, with unforced errors", said 'Nole' after this Serbian duel -Serbian.
"It's never easy to play against someone who has been a best friend of mine for years. We had only played against each other once ten years ago in Serbia. Obviously. , his game has evolved since then. I'm happy to see him succeed, "he added of his compatriot, 29th in the world, Davis Cup partner.
- From the public from Sunday -
A quick break in the second set, however, allowed the world No.1 to manage the end of the match quite calmly in this tournament which is the first since his spectacular disqualification at the US Open, synonymous with his first defeat in 2020.
Djokovic will meet in the quarter-finals the Italian Lorenzo Musetti or the German Dominik Koepfer, two players from the qualifications.
If he continues his journey beyond, Djokovic will be able to replay in front of the public, the Italian authorities having finally authorized 1,000 spectators on Friday for the days of Sunday (semi-finals) and Monday (finals).
A prospect which delights the Serbian: "I do not know if it is official, but I hope it is true".
“A thousand spectators is better than nothing. We miss the fans, part of professional tennis is playing in front of and for fans,” he stressed.
© 2020 AFP