Image Credits - WSJ
Novak Djokovic will lock horns with Miomir Kecmanovic in the quarterfinals of the 2022 Serbia Open on Thursday, April 21st.
Novak Djokovic is playing only his third tournament of the year. Prior to his win against Laslo Dere on Wednesday, he suffered back-to-back career defeats. The 20-time Grand Slam winner lost against Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina at the Monte Carlo Masters a few weeks ago after exiting the Dubai Championship at the round of 32 towards the end of February.
However, the World No.1 is now eager to impress after a rather underwhelming season. His win against his compatriot Dere lasted more than three hours. But Djokovic showed incredible resilience and desire to fight back after losing the first set and then from 4-3 down in the second set to win the dramatic encounter 2-6, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4).
Meanwhile, Miomir Kecmanovic began the tournament in a dominant fashion as the Serb thrashed Richard Gasquet 6-0, 6-3 in the first round. And although John Millman proved to be a rather tricky customer, Kecmanovic was able to get past the 22-year-old with a 6-4, 7-6 (5) win.
The battle between the two Serbian stars on Thursday is expected to be an entertaining one.
These two players have played each other just once before. Ironically, it took place in the quarterfinals of the Serbia Open last year, which Djokovic won.
Novak Djokovic did struggle against Laslo Dere in the last round. But the World No.1 will still be the favourite against Kecmanovic on Thursday. Our prediction is a win in three sets for Djokovic.
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