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Fourth set: Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 1-0 Popyrin* (*denotes next server)
A reminder that from 4-5, 0-40 and four set points down, Djokovic won that set. Even when he is not feeling great, he finds away. And that’s why he is the best.
He holds to love with an ace.
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 Popyrin – TIEBREAK
Djokovic ace down the T, 5-2. Djokovic tests Popyrin with another overhead but the Australian keeps his head and finishes well, 5-3.
Popyrin forehand winner, 5-4. Two serves on Djokovic’s racket to win the set. Popyrin backhand into the net, 6-4.
Djokovic at his best, dragging his opponent all over and Popyrin puts a defensive forehand wide, 7-4.
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 6-6 Popyrin – TIEBREAK
Forehand long by Popyrin, 1-0. Big return by Popyrin, he steps inside and finishes the point with a forehand winner, 1-1.
Popyrin has a look at passing Djokovic but nets the backhand, 2-1. Big first serve unreturned by Djokovic, 2-2. Bad miss by Popyrin as he puts a forehand into the tramlines, 3-2.
Popyrin backhand volley, Djokovic reaches it and whips a forehand winner down the line, 4-2.
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 6-6 Popyrin*
Tiebreak it is as Djokovic holds to 15. The most important tiebreak of Popyrin’s career coming up.
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 5-6 Popyrin
Great response to missing those opportunities by Popyrin as he holds to 15.
He’s guaranteed himself at least a tiebreak.
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 5-5 Popyrin*
Djokovic opens the game with a fifth forehand unforced error, 0-15. Djokovic is given a makeable volley but dumps it into the net, 0-30. Way too causal from the champ.
Three set points for Popyrin after Djokovic nets a forehand again. This is so unusual.
Djokovic saves the first with an ace. Popyrin gets a look at a backhand down the line but places it in the tramlines. One final chance… Djokovic gets another volley and this time he makes it. Deuce.
Amazing return by Popyrin, he plays a forehand approach and Djokovic can’t get the ball into play, fourth set point.
Wow. How did Djokovic stay alive there?! He finds the sideline with a sliced backhand and Popyrin flicks a forehand wide, back to deuce. Massive hold by Djokovic as Popyrin nets a return.
Could not taking one of these set points be the turning point?
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 4-5 Popyrin
Timely ace by Popyrin, 30-15. Popyrin shanks an overhead and Djokovic forces him to hit another but he strikes it cleanly for a winner, 40-30.
Popyrin puts himself a game away from the set.
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 4-4 Popyrin*
Popyrin starting to target the Djokovic forehand more often. The Serbian looks a bit rattled by his struggles on that side.
But as we pass the two hour mark, Djokovic responds to the pressure by holding to 30.
The body language by Djokovic isn’t great.
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 3-4 Popyrin
Djokovic pulls out a tissue from his pocket and blows his nose. Seems like he is under the weather a little bit.
Nevertheless, Popyrin keeps his focus to hold to 15.
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Popyrin calls for the physio to look at what seems to be a calf problem. A medical timeout is called and Popyrin continues to receive treatment. It would be a big shame if his chances were hampered by this. We’ll see if there are obvious signs of problems with Popyrin.
Nothing wrong with Popyrin on this point as he punishes a short approach by Djokovic with a cross court forehand winner, 15-30.
Tennis gods are with Djokovic as he hits a forehand that clips the net cord and drops on Popyrin’s side of the court, 40-30. Popyrin forehand return long and Djokovic holds.
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 2-3 Popyrin
Great footwork by Popyrin to reach a good Djokovic lob and finish with an overhead winner, 15-15. Popyrin forehand into the net, 15-30. A massive couple of points coming up.
Popyrin responds to the moment by holding serve with a forehand winner.
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 2-2 Popyrin*
Djokovic looking something like his old self as he holds to love when Popyrin sends a backhand into the net.
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 1-2 Popyrin
If Popyrin has played better than this in his life I’d be shocked. He is purring right now and Djokovic looks a bit shellshocked.
25 shot rally, incredible tennis and Popyrin lobs Djokovic again, 40-15. Brilliant finish.
Game Popyrin after a great wide serve is unreturned by Djokovic. Popyrin runs to his chair and beckons the crowd to get on their feet.
He is feeling it right now!
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 1-1 Popyrin*
Popyrin continues to be in attack mode and Djokovic’s movement looks a bit sluggish to me. Perhaps he is feeling the effects of his long first round match.
Djokovic’s support box tries to rally their man after he completes a service hold to 30.
