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5/6/10 11:13 PM | Kelli DeMario
Novak Djokovic struggled through allergy problems and fatigue Thursday night, fighting his way through to a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Fabio Fognini. The world No. 2 booked a sixth quarterfinal this season.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic overcame a difficult round of 16 clash on Thursday, holding on to down Fabio Fognini in 91 minutes. Despite windy conditions and four losses of serve, the Serb star battled to take the match in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. Djokovic, who improved to 2-0 lifetime against the Italian, extended his season record to 21-6.
The world No. 2 began the match quickly, jumping out to a 3-0 advantage. Djokovic could not hold on, as a trio of unforced errors and a double fault cost him the lead at 3-1. Like his opponent, service troubles plagued Fognini, who lost serve straightaway at 2-3. Djokovic held serve to reach 5-3, but failed to close. The Italian did not capitalize, as he fell behind double set point at 4-5. A backhand error from Fognini sealed the 6-4 set for the defending champion in 49 minutes.
Djokovic pocketed an early 2-0 edge in the second set, aided by a forehand miss from Fognini. The 22-year-old faltered in the third game, however, relinquishing the break on a double fault. The Italian looked to regroup midway through the set, collecting triple break point at 2-2. A well-timed volley winner gave Fognini his first lead at 3-2. Djokovic upped his level of play, striking aggressive shots from the baseline.
Three breakers came in short order for the world No. 2, who leveled at 4-4 after a double-fault from the Italian. A settled Djokovic earned match point at 5-4. A final backhand miss from Fognini ended the contest at the one-hour and 31-minute mark.
Djokovic completed the evening with nine winners to 47 errors, and six of nine break point chances converted. Fognini, who dropped to 5-12 for the season, hit 13 winners to 58 unforced errors.
The defending champion is scheduled to take on compatriot Filip Krajinovic in the quarterfinal. The hometown wildcard took out Horacio Zeballos early Thursday, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(5).
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Nole sounded (and looked) veeery nervous in his post match interview. He couldn't wait for reporter to finish with his questions...It is soo not like him. Obviously, he is really annoyed cause nothing is helping him for allergies....Poor him, indeed! :(
OllyK , 5/7/10 9:50 AM
,,,well Nole is out!!!
He lost first set after Krajinovic 4:6... and he retired... with lot of boooooooooo from Belgrade public. He really looked sick and tired!!!
zare , 5/7/10 9:19 PM
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This poor guy sounds really sickly. He needs some Claritin and vitamin C or something so he maybe can fulfill his potential.
chr18 , 5/7/10 12:28 AM