Novak the outsider stoops to conquer
HE may be a fading force but Novak Djokovic is far from a spent one. The days when the Serb bestrode Grand Slams with ominous and indefatigable intent are no more.
But as the second week of Wimbledon moves on, the sense grows that Djokovic may yet have a significant say.
The 12- time Grand Slam winner cannot be ruled out. Not with that ingrained resilience, not with that fierce determination to triumph. This 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 victory earned the Serb a Grand Slam quarter- final place for the 41st time, equalling Jimmy Connors and bettered only by Roger Federer.
The hope, however, is that his mood may improve along with his form. On Saturday, he was irritated by the home crowd’s support for Kyle Edmond, and here he followed victory by airing irritation with the wind, the light and the scheduling.
As a three-time Wimbledon winner, Djokovic may be entitled to some gripes with the schedule. Downgraded to Court 2 in the second round for the first time since 2009, he then also played in the early evening to defeat Kyle Edmund on Saturday. Yesterday, he had to make do with the final slot of the day on Court No 1 and after a draining battle between Kevin Anderson and Gael Monfils, Djokovic eventually walked out to play shortly before 7pm. he complained afterwards that he could barely see the ball as darkness began to fall, while wind also swept across the court.
he was also frustrated when the organisers informed him beforehand that should Anderson and Monfils’s match enter a fifth set, his own match would have been suspended until today. Wimbledon instead allocated the mixed doubles involving Jamie Murray and Victoria Azarenka to Centre Court. ‘I received information that they can’t reschedule my game because of tickets,’ said Djokovic.
As he wandered out with his Russian opponent Karen Khachanov, a polite smile broke out but Djokovic appeared distracted in the opening stages. he does give you a sniff these days and he was erratic during the first set.
Khachanov, a 22-year-old playing on Court No 1 for the first time, was swiftly into his stride as he triumphed in a compelling 26- shot rally and a booming backhand, then broke Djokovic at the first attempt. Perhaps the early strike gave way to giddiness. Khachanov conceded the break immediately and a set that began strangely progressed in much the same topsy-turvy way.
When Khachanov hit into the net to concede a second break, Djokovic found himself 4-2 up and on course for a straightforward first set. Yet he then erred once more, broken for the second time. As frustration surfaced, Djokovic flicked his racket to the floor.
After the stutter, Djokovic discovered his rhythm, hitting groundstrokes with force and accuracy and clinching the first set. he pressed the accelerator, breaking at the first opportunity in the second set.
Djokovic soon regained his more familiar status as a local favourite. When he lost his footing behind the baseline, the goodwill of the crowd lifted him swiftly to his feet.
When he double-faulted in the second set to concede a 30-0 advantage, chants of ‘Come on Novak!’ began. By the end, there were even smiles for selfies and his match towels handed to members of the crowd. ‘With the crowd, it was great today,’ he said. ‘I enjoyed it.’
After gaining the lead, Djokovic’s movement became sharper, his returns more aggressive, while Khachanov seemed unable to cope with Djokovic’s ability to return his serve.
he sealed the second set with shortly over an hour played and after a quick shirt change, he was back out. Djokovic was keen to avoid the action continuing overnight and his play became more stylish. he took advantage of a second break point to move 4-2 ahead in the final set and closed it out to ensure smooth progress — and a day off.