Published 18:50 IST, October 2nd 2019
Djokovic beats Soeda 6-3, 7-5; reaches quarter-finals of Japan Open
Novak Djokovic on Wednesday defeated Japan's Go Soeda, 6-3, 7-5 in one hour and 35 minutes to advance to the quarter-finals of the Rakuten Japan Open in Tokyo.
World no 1 Novak Djokovic on Wednesday defeated Japan's Go Soeda, 6-3, 7-5 in one hour and 35 minutes to advance to the quarter-finals of the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships. From the 12 tournaments that Djokovic has played this season, he has reached the last eight stage in nine of them. However, the Serbian faced a tough challenge from Soeda who was playing in front of his home crowd as he dismissed Djokovic's three match points in the second set. Djokovic is now the No. 1 player in the ATP Rankings for the third-most total weeks in history.
"I'm really pleased," says Novak Djokovic
Djokovic was determined to earn the win but Soeda did not slump and showed plenty of resiliency. Djokovic broke for a 6-3, 5-3 lead in the second set which was dismissed by Soeda who broke back by attacking the Serbian’s forehand. Soeda canceled out Djokovic's three match points in the second set with a forehand volley, an unreturned serve, and an overhead smash, respectively. The 32-year-old Serbian tennis star won 10 aces and 81 percent of his first-serve points. He also earned 61 percent of his second-serve points, as compared to Soeda who managed only 60%. Post the match, Djokovic said that he played really well and was aggressive when required. He also credited Soeda for playing some good shots and fighting hard.
"There were not too many negatives today, because I had chances constantly. I had match points at 5-4, but he just came up with some very good shots and fought hard and that's why we give him credit. But from my side, I'm really pleased," he said while speaking to the Association of Tennis Professionals.
Djokovic's next match
The world no 1 will face the winner of the fifth seed Lucas Pouille next with whom he has a record of 2-0 with both the wins coming this year in the Australian Open and Cincinnati, respectively. Djokovic is all set to face Japanese No. 2 Yoshihito Nishioka, whom he has never played before.
Updated 22:53 IST, October 2nd 2019