05. 09. 2011. ·
Photo: Getty Images
Nole has outlasted a strong challenge from Aleksandr Dolgopolov to book a quarter-final clash with his friend and Davis Cup teammate Janko Tipsarevic.
It’s the first time in the 43 years of the Open era that two Serbs have reached the quarters of a Grand Slam!
The 2011 Australian Open and Wimbledon champion overcame some stiff resistance from the world no.23 before advancing into the last eight of the US Open with a 7-6 (14), 6-4, 6-2 win.
The Serbian star needed 2 hours and 26 minutes to claim the victory over the Ukrainian in front of a boisterous crowd at a packed Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Dolgopolov made a break in the fifth game, but Nole broke back immediately and held to go ahead 4-3. The set was decided in a dramatic marathon tie-breaker. The Ukrainian was inspired against the best player in the world. He stormed into a 4-0 lead but Nole fought back. 30 points were played, 11 mini-breaks and 10 set points! Novak saved four and converted his sixth to clinch the set 16-14 in 76 minutes.
The 24-year-old Belgrade native was made to fight extremely hard for each and every point, but when he captured the opening set, everything was easier. Dolgopolov could not maintain his high level much longer.
Nole made a double break at the beginning of the second set and established a 3-0 lead. The Ukrainian broke back once and held to reduce the deficit to 3-2. The rest of the set went on serve, the top seed won it 6-4.
The third set followed much the similar pattern as the second; Novak gained a double break advantage, this time he kept it till the end and closed the set and match 6-1.
“After the first set, it was a kind of a turning point,” Nole said after his 61st win of the season. “I was confused on the court in the first set with the wind and the low balls he was hitting… I raised my level in the next two sets. He’s an unpredictable player. He feeds on the energy of the crowd. The bigger the match is, he feels better — gets motivated.”
”I knew in the back of my mind, I knew I needed to hang in there and wait for the opportunities. After the first set I knew I had a little bit of a mental edge over him. Mental strength you get over the years by playing on the tour and getting that experience.”
Match statistics: aces (2-5), double faults (3-5), winners (13-25), unforced errors (25-44), total points won (111-88).
Djokovic’s first serve percentage was 66, compared to 41 for Dolgopolov.
The Serb capitalised on 5 of his 7 chances for break, while the Ukrainian converted 2 of his 6 break points.
Novak is bidding to become the sixth man in the Open Era to win at least three major titles in the same year.
The match for a semi-final place between Nole and his fellow Serbian Tipsarevic is scheduled on Wednesday.
Jankela defeated former world no.1 Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero in four sets to book a quarter-final spot of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
The 27-year-old is enjoying the best season of his career and, after twice falling in the fourth round at Wimbledon, has finally made the last eight.
Djokovic and Tipsarevic have met twice, Nole won both encounters.
“We never played each other in a Grand Slam,” Novak said. “We never played best-of-five against each other, so it’s going to be a first time experience for both of us. He’s playing the best tennis of his life. He’s very confident. But there is certainly this mentally strange feeling when you’re playing somebody that is one of your best friends in your private life, as well. So you got to handle that, as well.”
“There’s going to be one Serbian in the semifinals, which is great for our country.”
