Novak into Wimbledon Week 2 after victory over Popyrin – Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic wrapped up a four-set victory in opposition to big-serving Alexei Popyrin on a dark Saturday at Wimbledon.

The second-seeded Serbian star was made to dig deep. He rallied from a set down to shut out a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3) win in three hours and 5 minutes and attain the final 16.

Novak broke twice from eight alternatives, whereas his rival transformed one break level from the 2 possibilities he earned.

“It was one other powerful match. I didn’t count on something lower than what we skilled on the courtroom right this moment from Alexei. I knew he was going to return to the match with confidence, plenty of self-belief. He was near profitable once we performed in Australia earlier this yr. With that serve and highly effective forehand, he’s harmful on any floor. He was the higher participant within the first set. I performed a superb second and third, and the fourth was anyone’s sport. He was serving very properly. It was very tough to learn his serve,” mentioned Nole. “It was only a very difficult match, mentally as properly to hold in there. I’m not allowed to have too massive focus lapses. I believe I’ve carried out properly in that regard in among the best tie-breaks I’ve performed this yr, that’s for certain.”

Match statistics: aces (19-19), double faults (3-4), winners (53-52), unforced errors (18-31), whole factors gained (135-111).

Novak will tackle no.15 seed Holger Rune subsequent (3-2 H2H document). The Dane defeated Quentin Halys in 5 units.

Photograph: AP