PARIS, Nov. 2 -- A high-reel semifinal encounter awaits Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer after they conquered respective opponents at the ATP Paris Masters here on Friday.
Djokovic, set to become world No. 1 at the upcoming ATP rankings, came back from one set down to see off fifth-seeded Marin Cilic 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, extending his winning streak to 21 matches.
Despite leading 15-2 in previous head-to-heads, Djokovic lost two of their last three encounters, including one at the same stage of the Paris Masters two years ago resulting in his slump from the world's top position.
Both players maintained their serves eight games into the match. Cilic took the initiative in the ninth game through his first break after Djokovic's backhand went long. Cilic bagged the first set win in his pocket later on, seeing Djokovic's personal-best 30 consecutive sets victory snapped.
Djokovic put up his strong comeback early in the second set by breaking his Croatian rival's serve in the fourth game. After establishing a 4-1 lead, Djokovic went on to force a decider.
Djokovic's precise cross-court smash earned him a break in the eighth game to move in front 5-3 in the decider. The Serbian didn't waste his first match point following Cilic's poor backhand.
"It was a very close match. It went all the way to the last shot basically," admitted Djokovic. "I was kind of going up and down. I thought I could have maybe served better, especially second serve."
【体坛英语资讯:Djokovic, Federer set up hightlight semifinal clash at Paris Masters】相关文章:
★ 体坛英语资讯:China Open: Gonzalez hard tested, host players out
★ 体坛英语资讯:China to make cricket global - Asian boss
★ 体坛英语资讯:Chinas new and old set early pace at worlds
★ 体坛英语资讯:Russia through, champions bow out without win at Euro 2008
★ 体坛英语资讯:Zenit lift UEFA Cup in historical glory
★ 体坛英语资讯:Former France coach tipped to direct China
★ 体坛英语资讯:Chelsea boss Mourinho leaves club
★ 体坛英语资讯:Liu advances, shock exit for Robles
★ 体坛英语资讯:China suffers 4-0 loss to Brazil
★ 体坛英语资讯:Kansas tops Memphis to clinch first NCAA title
最新
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15