Top
Novak Djokovic 2021
Novak Djokovic, Tennis News, Tennis Tournaments

‘He played very courageous, bold tennis’ – Novak Djokovic survives early Belgrade 2 test


Novak Djokovic overcame a tough second set challenge from Mats Moraing to win his opening match at the Belgrade 2 event in straight sets.

The Serbian defeated the German – a 253rd-ranked lucky loser – 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) in the second round of the ATP 250 tournament.

The world No. 1 broke twice to take the opening set comfortably, before edging the second set on a tiebreak after twice losing a break advantage.

“It was a very good start. I started 6-2 against a player I’ve never faced before. He was going for some shots today that were amazing,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.

“I was twice a break up in the second set so I maybe could have finished out the job earlier, but credit to him for fighting, for playing really well, for playing very courageous, very bold tennis.”

The 34-year-old will next face world No. 96 Federico Coria in the quarter-finals.

The 29-year-old Argentine – younger brother of former world No. 3 Guillermo Coria – beat Pablo Cuevas in the second round.

(Photo credit Ray Giubilo)


By
0

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.