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Djokovic: I struggled in every game


 

Originally published on: 01/11/12 00:00

For a while on Wednesday it looked to be business as usual for Djokovic as the Serb raced into a 6-0, 2-0 lead in under 30 minutes against Querrey. But a combination of the Las Vegan's excellent serving and Djokovic’s loose hitting gave the American a window of opportunity to claw his way back into the match and he took it with both hands, winning 0-6, 7-6(5), 6-4.

“I was concerned about how long I can keep that level, since physically I'm not feeling very good in last couple of days,” said Djokovic, who had previously won all 60 matches in which he clinched the first set this year. “When you're playing somebody that hits, that serves that well in the corners, there is nothing you can do. During the second set I already felt that physically I'm down, and I struggled every game.”

Querrey hit 18 aces and saved six break points on his way to the biggest win of his career. “I thought I served amazing, especially the big points,” said the world No.23. “I felt like I made a first serve there every time. I could see he was struggling a little bit, missing some shots he probably wouldn't normally miss.”

The last time Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic were missing from the third round of a Masters 1000 tournament was at the Paris Masters six years ago, or 53 Masters tournaments ago to be exact.

“It's unfortunate, but on the brighter side, I have a little bit more time to rest because I had a really difficult period in the last couple of weeks,” added Djokovic, whose father was reportedly hospitalized recently with respiratory problems. “Some things happened and a lot of things on my mind.”

Despite the loss, Djokovic is still guaranteed to finish the year ranked No.1 in the world after Roger Federer chose to rest ahead of the ATP World Tour Finals in London rather than defend his title in Paris.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.