ATP Indian Wells: Philipp Kohlschreiber sends pale Novak Djokovic packing
Competing against the world no. 1 player for the 12th time, the 35-year-old German veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber has defeated Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 in an hour and 38 minutes for the second win over the Serb in ten matches, the first since Roland Garros 2009! The encounter had to be interrupted on Monday night due to rain in the second game and it was like Djokovic got sick in the meanwhile, playing with no energy and way below his best to suffer the second loss of the season after Doha. Philipp knew how to impose his advantages, reducing the number of error and having the upper hand in the more extended exchanges to bring the match home in style and advance into the last 16 where he will face Gael Monfils.
The German fended off four out of five break points he had to play against and won 40% of the return points, enough for three breaks and a great win, his 83rd at Masters 1000 level. Philipp saved two break points last night before they had to leave the court and another one at 2-3 today with a beautiful forehand down the line winner. He broke Novak in the following game after a well-constructed attack and another forehand winner, holding at 30 with a service winner in game ten for a 6-4 in 53 minutes.
The second set was more fluid and it started with another break for the German in game two when Djokovic sprayed a forehand error. Unable to find any rhythm on the return, Novak fell 5-2 down when he gave serve away in game seven following another forehand error, managing to pull one break back in game eight to reduce the deficit at least. Serving for the title in game ten, Philipp wrapped it up with a forehand winner, becoming one of the oldest players in the Open era with a win over the world no. 1 rival.
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2UCH37S
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