Djokovic off and running in Vienna with win over Krajinovic
Novak Djokovic made his first appearance at Vienna in 13 years a winning one, by notching a straight sets victory over his compatriot Filip Krajinovic on Tuesday.
Novak Djokovic Vienna 2020
- Erste Bank Open, round one: Djokovic d. Krajinovic 7-6, 6-3
- Key info: The world No 1 has made his first appearance at Vienna since he took the title in 2007
- You will also learn: Djokovic faced adversity in the opening set, as he trailed by a break against his friend from Serbia
- Why read this story: Come for the recap, stay for the video of Krajinovic’s amazing left-handed half-volley!
Top-seeded Novak Djokovic opened his accounts at this week’s Erste Bank Open with a 7-6(6), 6-3 victory over Filip Krajinovic. The victory is Djokovic’s 38th of 2020 against just two losses, and his first at Vienna since he toppled Stan Wawrinka, 6-4, 6-0, in the final thirteen years ago.
He will face Borna Coric in the second round.
“I was lucky”
“I was lucky in the first set,” Djokovic said after his second victory over Krajinovic in as many months. “I really was.”
Sprichst du Deutsch, @DjokerNole?@ErsteBankOpen | #ErsteBankOpen pic.twitter.com/ySHLKMfEUc
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 27, 2020
Djokovic had to rally from a break down in the opener but took advantage of some ill-timed nerves from the world No 30.
“He was the better player, he was serving for the set,” Djokovic said of Krajinovic, who held a set point with Djokovic serving at 5-6 in the first-set tiebreaker. “He was serving for the set, he missed a smash at six-all in the tiebreak – a few points here and there can change the momentum of the match. Obviously the second set I kind of stepped it up and played better. I’m just pleased with the way I finished it.”
Djokovic broke for 2-1 in the second set then saved a break a break point while serving at 3-2 to preserve his advantage.
Shot of the Day Honors to Krajinovic
Things didn’t go the way Krajinovic would have liked on the scoreboard, but the 28-year-old will take solace in the fact that he pulled off this magical half-volley in the second set. It was one that drew a bow and some applause from Djokovic.
Filip. Krajinovic. 😳
Even @DjokerNole enjoyed that one…#ErsteBankOpen pic.twitter.com/OwGqd4uBzX
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 27, 2020
There was also this magnificent point, which featured a Krajinovic tweener, that was ultimately won by Djokovic.
Serbians putting on a show in Vienna 🤩
👏 @DjokerNole @filipkrajinovic #ErsteBankOpen pic.twitter.com/YU3mcnqNST
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 27, 2020
Djokovic finished the evening with 39 winners and 27 unforced errors. The Serb saved three of five break points and improved to 2-1 lifetime over Krajinovic.
