Djokovic overcomes big-serving Lopez

TOP seed Novak Djokovic was tested by net-charging Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in a duel of volleys and passing shots before booking a berth in the US Open semifinals in the early hours of yesterday.

On a hot, humid night at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic waged an entertaining battle with the 33-year-old serve-and-volleyer, before finishing off the 18th seed 7-2 in the fourth set tiebreaker to complete a 6-1 3-6 6-3 7-6(2) victory.

Lopez won 28 of 41 serve- and-volley points, while Djokovic countered with 33 forays to the net that produced 19 points for the world No 1.

“He’s one of the rare players who actually serves and volleys after the first and second serves,” Djokovic, winner of this year’s Australian Open and Wimbledon championships, said. “He’s got a very big serve.” Lopez served 14 aces to Dojokovic’s nine.

“It was anybody’s game in the fourth set,” the Serb said.

“I’m just glad to get through in four.”

Djokovic had beaten Lopez in their five previous meetings.

Nine-times grand slam winner Djokovic reached his ninth successive US Open semifinals and the 2011 champion expects another challenging match against Cilic, despite owning a 13-0 record against him.

Cilic advanced with a five-set win over France’s JoWilfried Tsonga. – Reuters