Djokovic reaches his 55th final
DUBAI: World number one Novak Djokovic extended his unbeaten run to 17 matches and put himself within one victory of regaining the Dubai Open title after an absorbing two-set tussle with former US...
March 01, 2013
The Serbian was again in remarkably fine fettle for a man who has not played a tournament since making a successful defence of the Australian title nearly five weeks ago and, after three solid wins already, raised his level once more in a 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) success over the Argentine.
Djokovic was made to do so.
Del Potro hit some fierce first serves and some heavy ground strokes mixed in with thunderbolt accelerations with his forehand, advancing to a 3-0 lead in the second set. He then broke back stridently for 5-5 when it looked as though the match was lost.
Djokovic responded superbly when he was behind, containing brilliantly, moving superbly, and counter-attacking with excellent timing and accuracy.
He faltered for the second time in three matches when trying to close the contest out, but repaired the damage with a typically tenacious effort in the tie-break. It earned him his 55th final.
The first set offered few hints of the struggle to follow. Djokovic broke through in the sixth game at the first attempt, and closed out the set without fuss.
But in the second set Del Potro began to rally more sternly and found moments of inspiration to launch stunning drives, sometimes for clean winners.
His early lead brought a great response from Djokovic, elevating some of the rallies to an outstanding level.
Djokovic's break back to 2-3 came amidst a gale of boos and jeers, though none of it was directed at the Serbian. Instead it was created by the umpire's decision to impose a time violation on Del Potro when he took a little longer to prepare at break point down.
The Argentine walked up to the umpire to protest, gesticulating as he did so, and accompanied by a spate of noises from spectators. By the time the situation had calmed, the delay was at least twice the permitted 25 seconds.
Djokovic was due to play the winner of Roger Federer, the defending champion, and Tomas Berdych, the conqueror of Federer in their last meeting at the US Open in New York in September. (AFP)
