In a rare occasion, the India vs South Africa second Test will see Tea break being taken before lunch at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. Hosting it's first-ever Test match at the venue, the challenge for the organisers will be able to beat the sun, more than that of bat and ball. In the process
Djokovic reaches 199th career semifinal with straight-sets win over Borges
Novak Djokovic reaches 199th career semifinal with straight-sets win over Nuno Borges in Athens
Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, continues to dominate at 38. On Thursday, he powered past Portugal's Nuno Borges 7-6(1), 6-4 at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship in Athens. This victory marked his 200th indoor win and propelled him into the semifinals of this ATP 250 indoor hard-court event.
What happened in the match?
The quarterfinal clash lasted one hour and 44 minutes, showcasing intense baseline rallies. Both players held serve firmly through the first eight games, but Djokovic faced double break point at 4-4 in the opener. He escaped with four straight points, including big serves under pressure.The set went to a tie-break, where Djokovic impressed. He raced to a 6-1 lead, energizing fans by rushing courtside for high-fives before clinching it 7-1. Momentum carried into the second set. After trading holds, Djokovic broke for 4-3, the match's only break, and closed out with a forehand winner down the line. He finished with 22 winners against 20 unforced errors.
Novak Djokovic, after winning the game
"It was a very physical battle. I thought Nuno played a high level," Djokovic said post-match. "I was a bit surprised with how good he played. I think we went toe to toe, most of the match. Just a few points decided the winner tonight, and he deserves a round of applause for his performance."Historic milestones
Novak Djokovic has reached 199 tour-level semifinals in the Open Era, third behind Jimmy Connors (239) and Roger Federer (211). Rafael Nadal sits at 189. Remarkably, his record includes 53 Grand Slam semis and 80 at Masters 1000s, far ahead of rivals.He is chasing his 101st title, having hit 100 in Geneva this year. Connors leads with 109, Federer 103. His Athens opener against Alejandro Tabilo was his first win over the Chilean in three tries.
What's next?
Novak Djokovic will face American Marcos Giron or German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in Friday's semifinal. A title here would boost his preparation for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, starting Sunday. As a record seven-time champion, he is in the Jimmy Connors group with Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur.Source: LiveMint
Related Posts: Novak Djokovic jokes that he's challenging Serena Williams to come back to tennis Novak Djokovic's 'Tennis Father' Passes Away Novak Djokovic's 'tennis dad' Nikola Pilic dies at 87 Novak Djokovic's 'tennis dad' Nikola Pilic dies at 87 Novak Djokovic Scripts Tennis History NLSIU Bengaluru continues to dominate as best law school Novak Djokovic in tears on court Novak Djokovic is certainly no dark horse to quarterfinal foe Alexander Zverev Novak Djokovic Like You Have Never Seen Him Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam
In a rare occasion, the India vs South Africa second Test will see Tea break being taken before lunch at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. Hosting it's first-ever Test match at the venue, the challenge for the organisers will be able to beat the sun, more than that of bat and ball. In the process
3 months ago
