Novak Djokovic wrapped up a four-set victory against big-serving Alexei Popyrin on a gloomy Saturday at Wimbledon.
The second-seeded Serbian star was made to dig deep. He rallied from a set down to close out a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3) win in three hours and five minutes and reach the last 16.
Novak broke twice from eight opportunities, while his rival converted one break point from the two chances he earned.
“It was another tough match. I didn’t expect anything less than what we experienced on the court today from Alexei. I knew he was going to come to the match with confidence, a lot of self-belief. He was close to winning when we played in Australia earlier this year. With that serve and powerful forehand, he’s dangerous on any surface. He was the better player in the first set. I played a good second and third, and the fourth was anybody’s game. He was serving very well. It was very difficult to read his serve,” said Nole. “It was just a very challenging match, mentally as well to hang in there. I’m not allowed to have too big concentration lapses. I think I’ve done well in that regard in one of the best tie-breaks I’ve played this year, that’s for sure.”
Match statistics: aces (19-19), double faults (3-4), winners (53-52), unforced errors (18-31), total points won (135-111).
Novak will take on no.15 seed Holger Rune next (3-2 H2H record). The Dane defeated Quentin Halys in five sets.
Photo: AP
