By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Sunday, July 9, 2023
Defending Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic as soon as once more proved that getting him right into a tiebreak is commonly at an opponent’s peril.
That was the case as soon as once more because the No. 2 seed Djokovic discovered himself main No. 17 seed Hubert Hurkacz of Poland 7-6(6), 7-6(6) of their fourth rounder earlier than the match was suspended on Centre Court because of the native Wimbledon curfew.
Djokovic has now gained 14 consecutive tiebreaks at majors in a single season. That provides him the file within the Open Era passing Pete Sampras.
14 – Novak Djokovic has now gained his final 14 Grand Slam tie-breaks
Australian Open 🇦🇺
vs Dimitrov (7)✅
vs Tsitsipas (4)✅-(5)✅Roland Garros 🇫🇷
vs Kovacevic (1)✅
vs Fucsovics (2)✅
vs Davidovich Fokina (4)✅-(5)✅
vs Khachanov (0)✅
vs Ruud (1)✅Wimbledon 🇬🇧
vs Cachin (4)✅…— OptaAce (@OptaAce) July 9, 2023
Djokovic, unofficially nicknamed “the tiebreak king”, proved that once more as this fourth spherical match began late on Centre Court.
Hurkacz, a former Wimbledon semifinalist who defeated Roger Federer in his final ever singles match at Wimbledon in 2021, appeared poised to probably take the primary set from the seven-time Wimbledon champion. With potent serving, the 26-year-old Hurkacz positioned himself right into a tiebreak with Djokovic.
From there, Hurkacz opened up a 6-3 lead and held a number of set factors.
Yet Djokovic didn’t look fazed in any respect by his deficit. With steely resolve, Djokovic ended up profitable the subsequent 5 factors in a row, that included saving three set factors, to say the set 7-6(6).
It’s what he does 😤@DjokerNole saves three set factors to say the tie-break, 7-6(6)#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/ORo8xwszKC
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2023
The second set once more proved razor shut between each males as neither might discover a method to break one another’s serve. Yet, Djokovic and Hurkacz have been capable of finding a second of levity and sportsmanship halfway via the set after Djokovic staggered over the web on the finish of an thrilling rally, failing to transform a pivotal break level within the course of.
Mind the web @DjokerNole 😅#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/p8uCdnGCFx
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2023
Both gamers discovered themselves in one other tiebreak on the finish of the second set. While Hurkacz appeared able to take it, Djokovic proved too sturdy and regular down the stretch.
Though Hurkacz constructed a 5-4 lead within the tiebreak, Djokovic rapidly seized the momentum to take the tiebreak 7-6(6) and lead by two units to like.
Djokovic/Hurkacz will resume on Centre Court tomorrow after the Elena Rybakina and Beatriz Haddad Maia fourth spherical match.
Photo Credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport
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