2020 in Review: Novak Djokovic edges Denis Shapovalov to propel Serbia into..

Serbia joined Australia and Russia in the ATP Cup semi-final following a 3-0 victory over Canada on January 11 in Sydney. Dusan Lajovic proved to be too strong for the struggling youngster Felix Auger-Aliassime while world no. 2 Novak Djokovic had to dig deep to deliver that second point against Denis Shapovalov in the deciding tie break to propel Serbia over the finish line. Lajovic needed an hour and 39 minutes to dismiss Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 6-2, dropping 19 points on serve and fending off two break chances to mount the pressure on Felix, who didn't play well at the beginning of the season. The Canadian sprayed too many errors and offered plenty of opportunities to Lajovic, who converted three out of 11 to control the scoreboard and push Serbia in front. Dusan landed a perfect return in the fifth game to grab a break at love, wasting more chances at 4-2 and saving a break point in game eight to remain in front before closing the set at 5-4.

Felix couldn't do much in set number two, struggling to find his shots and losing serve at 2-2 when his forehand landed long. Another forehand mistake cost the Canadian his service game at 2-4, allowing Lajovic to seal the deal with three service winners in the eighth game. The second clash was much closer, with Djokovic beating Shapovalov 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 in two hours and 40 minutes, delivering the fourth singles victory of the season and reducing the gap to Rafael Nadal even more on the ATP list. It was the 23rd victory for Novak over the Canadian rivals in as many encounters.

Novak Djokovic defeated Denis Shapovalov in the deciding tie break in Sydney.

The Serb found a way to halt the youngster despite many ups and downs on both sides, as the players struggled with the weather and crowd. Denis gave his best to challenge a great rival, hitting more winners than Novak and more errors, some of those in the crucial moments that cost him a lot. Djokovic repelled five out of seven break chances, grabbed three breaks from five opportunities and stayed calm in the deciding tie break to move Serbia into the last four.

Shapovalov landed only 52% of the first serve in, but that proved to be his most potent weapon of the day, struggling more on the second but still offering only five chances to one of the best returners ever. Novak saw none of those in the first set, the one that Denis clinched with a break in game nine when world no. 2 wasted four game points. Djokovic bounced back in set number two, fending off three break points in the third game to gather momentum and storm over Shapovalov in the rest of the set, securing breaks in games four and six for a commanding 6-1. Denis was back at his best in the opening eight games to stay on the level terms with Novak, suffering a break at 4-4 before pulling it back instantly to level the score and extend his chances ahead of the tie break. There, the more experienced player opened a 5-0 advantage and converted the fourth match point at 6-4 to emerge at the top and bring home Serbia's another impressive tie.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/39Hhehe