2020 in Review: Novak Djokovic scores two wins over France

World no. 2 Novak Djokovic had to work hard in his opening match of the season at the ATP Cup, beating Kevin Anderson in two tie breaks. Two days later, Serbia secured the quarter-final spot following a tight victory over France. Benoit Paire took down Dusan Lajovic in three sets in the first match, leaving Novak Djokovic with no room for errors against Gael Monfils and the deciding doubles encounter with Viktor Troicki against Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin. Lajovic and Paire fought for over two hours, and the Frenchman prevailed 6-2, 6-7, 6-4, wasting match points in set number two and bouncing back with a late break in the decider. Facing each other for the 16th time, Novak Djokovic toppled Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-2 in an hour and 31 minutes for the 16th victory over world no. 9, leveling the overall score and setting eyes on the deciding doubles rubber.

Serving at only 50% and hitting five double faults, Novak drew the danger away from his service games, repelling all nine break chances and stealing Gael's serve on all three occasions to cross the finish line in straight sets. As always before, the Serb won the crucial points to remain undefeated against Gael after many years on the Tour. Novak played against seven break chances in the opener's three different games, staying determined and focused and not making mistakes in those points to take the momentum away from Monfils.

Novak Djokovic defeated Gael Monfils for the 16th time at the ATP Cup.

On the other hand, Djokovic converted the first break opportunity in the sixth game, moving 4-2 in front and securing the set after saving two break points at 5-3. Monfils suffered breaks in games three and five in set number two, unable to match Djokovic's pace and allowing the Serb to move over the top with a forehand winner at 5-2 and grab the second victory of the season.

Novak Djokovic was back on the court with Viktor Troicki in the deciding doubles rubber, defeating Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-3, 6-7, 10-3 to propel Serbia into the ATP Cup quarter-final. The Serbs were the dominant figures in the opener, serving well - they saved one break point at 5-3 - and scoring break in game six to take a big step towards the finish line. At 4-4 in set number two, the French duo repelled four break chances to stay alive, clinching the tie break 7-5 with a single mini-break and gathering momentum ahead of the decider. There, Novak and Viktor were back at their best, rattling off the last nine points to start a massive celebration with their teammates and fans who stayed up late to support them.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/36vIFZ7