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
-
News
Australian Open preparations rocked by fourth positive Covid case
A positive test was returned by a broadcast team member on a charter flight from Los Angeles.
-
News
Players were made aware of isolation risks on arrival to Australia – Craig Tiley
Forty seven players will have to remain in their hotel rooms for 14 days.
-
Australian Open
Andy Murray’s waiting game as anger mounts after tennis players fly in for Australian Open
Andy Murray is waiting to see if there is any way he compete in the Australian Open after testing positive for Covid-19.
-
News
Positive Covid cases on flights to Australia put 47 players in 14-day quarantine
Three people across two chartered flights carrying the Open hopefuls tested positive for coronavirus upon their arrival in Melbourne.
-
Tennis News
Bernard Tomic still has drive to compete, saying ‘I don’t need to play tennis again, I’ve got enough money’
“I’m risking my life, and I’m playing and competing.”
-
Tennis News
Dominic Thiem: ‘My wish for 2021 is to win a second Grand Slam title’
Dominic Thiem eyes a second Grand Slam trophy.
-
Australian Open
VIDEO and PICS: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams among tennis stars to arrive in Australia
This way for a video and pics of arrivals in Australia.
-
Australian Open
Official insists no special Australian Open treatment for Andy Murray after positive COVID-19 result
Andy Murray warned he won’t get preferential treatment.
-
Australian Open
Madison Keys latest player to miss Australian Open charter flight after testing positive for coronavirus
Madison Keys unlikely to play at Australian Open.
-
Australian Open
Andy Murray in race against time to play at Australian Open after testing positive for COVID-19
Andy Murray tests positive for coronavirus – report.