Novak Djokovic made to work for his opening win at Cincinnati Masters

Novak Djokovic didn’t have it all his own way during his first-round victory at the Western & Southern Open.
The Wimbledon champion required nine match points to finally close out the match against Steve Johnson, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) in two hours and three minutes.
Lucky No. 9⃣@DjokerNole converts MP nine to defeat Steve Johnson 6-4 7-6(4) at #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/ULSrwkC9S3
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 14, 2018
Djokovic only managed to break in the 10th game of the opening set, but it was a different ball game in the second as both players lost their serve twice.
Johnson managed to save seven match points to force the tie-breaker, but the Serb eventually got the deal done at the ninth time of asking.
Djokovic will face Frenchman Adrian Mannarino next.
Stan Wawrinka pulled off an upset as he defeated the 12th seeded Diego Schwartzman 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.
The comeback of @stanwawrinka continues!
🇨🇭💪
The Swiss edges Diego Schwartzman 6-2 4-6 6-3 to set a round two clash with Kei Nishikori at #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/grCoWhKi3G
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 14, 2018
The three-time Grand Slam winner, who is still battling to find full fitness and form following knee surgery, will take on Kei Nishikori, who beat Andrey Rublev 7-5, 6-3.
In the battle of the big serving Americans, Sam Querrey overcame compatriot John Isner 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-5) while Canadian Denis Shapovalov won the NextGen contest as he beat American Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (8-6), 3-6, 7-5.
Next up for Shapovalov is 14th seed Kyle Edmund in the second round.
Latest
-
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.
-
News
Andy Murray Australian Open appearance in doubt after positive test for Covid
Murray is hoping to be able to arrive in Australia at a later date.
-
Australian Open
Dominic Thiem’s coach tests positive for COVID-19, but hopes to link up with Austrian ‘soon’
Nicolas Massu hopes to fly Down Under in a few weeks.
-
ATP Tour
‘It feels great,’ says Hubert Hurkacz after starting 2021 with Delray Beach Open trophy
Hubert Hurkacz captures second ATP Tour title.