Whilst commentators were posting on forum’s hailing the third wave of Novak Djokovic, building the hype – he was struggling against Hungarian #41 Marton Fucsovics. The struggle became easier, as Djokovic prevails 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-0. He deprives the Hungarian of his first ever main draw win at the US Open.
The Serb remains on course for a shot at a 3rd US Open title, but it remains to be seen if he has the stomach for it?
Djokovic’s discomfort: Heat, stomach bug or both?
The Serbian superstar’s fans took, and are still taking to Twitter querying why the roof wasn’t closed? Blaming the heat for the below par performance from the Serb. Djokovic won’t use illness or the heat as an excuse. After all, he beat Mannarino in three sets in Cincinnati a few weeks back, suffering from a stomach bug. It’s worrying though for the rest of his tournament if this is lingering.
Djokovic Plays Great Defense to take 3rd Set
The third was the key. It set saw some epic and inspiring defense from Djokovic . A break up at 4-3, Fucsovics despite winning a crafty point at the net continuing to put doubt in Djokovic’s mind about his weapons, allowed the Serb to break-back and level the match. Djokovic then held, leaving Fucsovics to serve to stay in the set. This is the point where the top players, step up a notch and turn the screw. On cue, Djokovic did just that.
When in trouble in the ninth game, Fucsovics drew Djokovic into a game of ping-pong , mixing things up with a backhand slice to set up a Federesque forehand smash. However, fatigued by having to work much harder for points, Fucsovics tired, allowing Djokovic to stroll to the set.
A Ten Minute Break Before Fourth Set is Just What Djokovic Needed
On serve, Djokovic used the devastating pace and his kick-serve to leave Fucsovics wondering where the next point was coming from in the fifth set. When receiving, he deployed the rasping forehand to shorten the points. It was 3-0 before Fucsovic’s could realize that his first main draw US Open win will have to wait. He folded like a pack of cards, final set. It’s a shame, he did himself proud before that. Given more luck with the draw, the 1st US Open main draw win will come.
Djokovic Needs to Alleviate What’s Bugging Him
Djokovic has looked the least convincing of the pre-tournament favourites so far. His fans will be hoping that it’s the heat that caused the majority of his discomfort. The temperatures are expected to get cooler, but if the bug is lingering, he might not have the stomach for a longer match.
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