Novak Djokovic produces ‘pretty flawless’ display after getting ‘extra push’ from fans in Serbia

World No 1 Novak Djokovic delivered a clinical display in his opening match at the Serbia Open as he brushed aside Kwon Soon-woo.
Playing an ATP Tour match in his home country for the first time in a decade, the two-time champion was always going to be the fan favourite in Belgrade this week.
And he certainly gave his supporters plenty to be proud of as he secured a 6-1, 6-3 victory in one hour and eight minutes over the South Korean.
2009 🏆
2011 🏆
2021 ❓@DjokerNole takes the first step towards a third Belgrade title 👏The World No.1 defeats Kwon 6-1 6-3 to move into R3 against Kecmanovic.
🇷🇸 @SerbiaOpen2021 pic.twitter.com/Q24Om6B9TW
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 21, 2021
The 18-time Grand Slam winner broke twice in the first set and three times in the second, although Kwon did manage to get a break of his own in the second set.
“I thought I played very well from the very beginning, except that service game that I lost at 5-2 in the second [set]. I thought it was a pretty flawless performance,” Djokovic said.
“I moved well, I was mixing up the pace quite well, making him play. I served well in the important moments, [and] overall I just felt great.”
The support from his compatriots has certainly helped him.
He added: “It gives you an extra push, an extra motivation, energy to really give your best and leave it all out on the court.
“I think also that made me feel comfortable and confident on the court and I played really good. I’m really pleased with the quality of tennis.”
Up next is his compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic, who defeated French qualifier Arthur Rinderknech 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
Second seed Matteo Berrettini also advanced as he won the battle of the Italians, beating Marco Cecchinato 6-4, 6-3 to book a quarter-final date with fifth seed Filip Krajinovic.
It was only Berrettini’s second match since withdrawing from the fourth round of the Australian Open in February.
“First of all I’m happy to be back on the court,” he said. “It was tough for me. I never had this kind of injury, so I didn’t really know how it would get better, get worse. It was tough. Also mentally, it’s not easy to go and serve full [on] when you know that something happened there.
“But I’m happy now. I’m happy with my performance and also for my physical conditioning. I think it’s good. In this moment, with my team, we said that I have to play as many matches as possible, so that is what we are trying to do.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Exclusive – Rumours over Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon withdrawal as John Lloyd gives his verdict
US Open champion Raducanu has not played since withdrawing from the Rothesay Open Nottingham with the injury that continues to trouble her.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon: Jack Draper feels ‘ready to be dangerous’ following last four run in Eastbourne
Draper was beaten in the Eastbourne semi-finals by Maxime Cressy on Friday.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu can rise above the pressure and deliver at Wimbledon
The 19-year-old sparked more fears around her fitness by pulling out of a practice session on Friday.
-
News
Eastbourne: Jack Draper misses out on maiden ATP final
Cressy continued his conquering of the British players to edge through 7-6 (5) 6-7 (2) 6-3.
-
News
Ukraine grateful to Wimbledon for its decision to ban Russian players
The Ukrainian teenager says she has been “constantly disappointed” at the reaction of tennis since Russia’s invasion.
-
Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal making the most of every minute on grass
Rafael Nadal is upbeat ahead of Wimbledon.
-
Tennis News
Emma Raducanu’s agent defends teen star’s work schedule
Emma Raducanu’s agent Max Eisenbud insists the young star’s off-court commitments have not impacted her performance at all.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu should limit off-court obligations according to former prodigy
Pam Shriver says she doesn’t expect much from Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray says ‘I still believe I can win Wimbledon’ and working hard to ‘achieve that goal’
Andy Murray believes he can win a third Wimbledon title.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon draw: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz in top half, Rafa Nadal, Matteo Berrettini in bottom half
A look at the gentlemen’s draw for this year’s Wimbledon.