Novak Djokovic survives tough first set on way to beating Filip Krajinovic

Novak Djokovic survived a very close first set against Serbian compatriot Filip Krajinovic before moving through to the quarter-finals of the Italian Open in Rome.
The world number one has not lost to a countryman since 2012 but that looked a real possibility when Krajinovic, who has improved substantially this season, led 4-1 in the first-set tie-break.
However, Djokovic toughed out the 87-minute set and broke serve twice in the second in a 7-6 (7) 6-3 victory.

The top seed said: “It was definitely one of the longest sets I think I have ever played. Never easy, I think, emotionally to play against someone that is one of my best friends for many years.
“I knew he’s in great form and, obviously, my second match on clay, I still haven’t started this match the way I really wanted to. I made a lot of unforced errors, but also credit to him for being aggressive and pushing me to the limit.
“I think the first set could have gone a different way, as well. Fortunately for me it went my way and that has allowed me to swing through the ball a bit more in the second set.”
#IBI20 QF for the 14th consecutive year!🚀🙌🏻@DjokerNole #tennis pic.twitter.com/zkn9Ja35lz
— Internazionali Bnl (@InteBNLdItalia) September 18, 2020
In the last eight, Djokovic will face German qualifier Dominik Koepfer, who ended the brilliant run of 18-year-old Italian Lorenzo Musetti with a 6-4 6-0 victory.
Musetti came through qualifying and beat Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori in his first two main-draw matches but ran out of steam here.
Fourth seed Matteo Berrettini battled past wild card Stefano Travaglia 7-6 (5) 7-6 (1) and will take on Casper Ruud, who was a 6-2 7-6 (6) winner over Marin Cilic.
Denis Shapovalov recovered from a set down to see off Ugo Humbert 6-7 (5) 6-1 6-4 while Grigor Dimitrov defeated young Italian Jannik Sinner 4-6 6-4 6-4.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Serena Williams gains lavish praise from Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal has nothing but well-wishes for Serena Williams.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: What needs to happen for Rafael Nadal to snatch No 1 in Cincy
Here’s how Rafael Nadal can return to World No 1 in Cincinnati
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray vs Stan Wawrinka in Cincinnati: What time is the big match and where to watch it…
Three-time Grand Slam winners Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka meeting early in Cincy.
-
ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal on having an opportunity to become world No 1 again: ‘I didn’t expect it’
Rafael Nadal could return to world No 1 next week.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu teams up with Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in Cincinnati doubles
Nicknames for team Raducanu-Rybakina? Radukina? Rybacanu? Emlena? Elemma?
-
Davis Cup
Andy Murray makes Davis Cup return and hopes to ‘create even more history’ with Great Britain in Glasgow
Great Britain will face United States, Kazakhstan and the Netherlands in the group stage in Glasgow.
-
WTA Tour
Coco Gauff after becoming world No 1 in doubles: ‘Being No 1 is pretty cool. Who wouldn’t want to be No 1?’
Another big milestone for youngster Coco Gauff.
-
WTA Tour
Simona Halep on returning to the WTA top 10: ‘I feel like it’s a big deal, but I am dreaming for more’
Simona Halep on the rise once again.
-
ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev confronts heckler after ‘loser and nasty’ remarks as Nick Kyrgios slams ‘disgusting behaviour’
“I won’t let anyone shout nasty things at me, I won’t keep silent.”
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu on facing ‘the best player of all time’ Serena Williams: ‘It’s a great gift to play the best’
Emma Raducanu excited to face GOAT Serena Williams.