‘It was a physical battle’ – Novak Djokovic thrilled to come through brutal Jenson Brooksby contest
Novak Djokovic survived some early scares as he won a brilliant matchup with Jenson Brooksby at the US Open.
Brooksby has been one of the finds of the tournament, and he went toe-to-toe with the world number one from the off.
He got his reward too, with the 20-year-old taking the first set.
The match then became a brilliant contest with some of the finest rallies in recent memory. However, inevitably it was Djokovic who wrestled control.
As Brooksby tired, Djokovic gained strength before running out a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 winner.
“[The atmosphere was] electric, awesome,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.
“I enjoyed it. It gives both players energy and motivation to showcase.
“Brooksby has a bright future. I told him that at the net. He’s a great player
“I must say that it wasn’t a great start for me. Jenson was pumped he had a clear game plan, and was executing all the shots. I was on the back foot and he was reading the play.
“The momentum was changed midway second set. We played two long games. After that I started hitting more cleanly and through the court. I found my serves well.
On Brooksby, Djokovic added: “It was a physical battle with exhausting rallies. Credit to him.
“He played a perfect first set. I couldn’t do much. He disguises drop shots and slices so well. He’s talented, so crafty, a very intelligent player, no doubt about it.
Djokovic will now face Matteo Berrettini in the final, and it’s a player he has plenty of recent history with.
“Rematch from Wimbled final from a couple of months ago,” he said. “It’s going to be exciting. He loves the big stage.
“Matteo is already established in top ten. Big serve, big game overall. I will try to prepare and hope for the best.”
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