Novak Djokovic pipped compatriot Laslo Dere 2-6, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4) in a tense game in the round of 16 at the Serbia Open on Wednesday.

In an all-Serbian contest at the round of 16 of the Serbia Open, Novak Djokovic got the better of Laslo Dere after a hard-fought battle. The World No.1 managed to come back from a set and a break down in the second set to take the win in Belgrade and return to winning ways.

The match ended 2-6, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4) in favour of Djokovic but it took him over three hours to get the all-important victory. Fans on social media also lauded Djokovic’s ‘never say die’ attitude after his win over Dere.

Djokovic, who is playing only in his third tournament this year, ensured that he avoided three consecutive defeats in a row. The 34-year-old was deported from Australia prior to the Australian Open over issues with his anti-vax status in regards to COVID-19.

#Djokovic: Important win, mentally and emotionally for me, it will help my confidence.

— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) April 20, 2022

Nevertheless, Novak Djokovic will be hoping to get back to his best soon and showed his fighting spirit against Dere on Wednesday. The 20-time Grand Slam winner will now face another compatriot, Miomir Kecmanovic, in the quarterfinals of the Serbia Open.

Tennis fans react to Novak Djokovic’s comeback vs Laslo Dere

A number of Tennis fans on Twitter praised Djokovic for his incredible fightback against Dere. Some claimed that the nine-time Australian Open winner was simply too good in matches that last long as it brings out the endurant best in Djokovic. Others also stated that Djokovic will be hungry to get back to the top after a rather difficult year.

What a win for Novak Djokovic! Incredible performance after the body faltered in MC last week. Brutal loss for Djere but a brave performance from Djokovic proves to be too good. #SerbiaOpen

— Deke Lloyd (@dekelloyd) April 20, 2022

I’ve been lucky to witness many things in life but watching @DjokerNole play in Serbia & have the whole crowd (not only Serbian, by the way, because so many #NoleFam flew in) chanting his name. Wow ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

— Julie 🇫🇷🇬🇧 (@NDjokofan) April 20, 2022

Yesss, he did it ❤️🦁 @DjokerNole #djokovic #novakdjokovic pic.twitter.com/80VMJmrTdg

— Family Djokovic (@familydjokovic) April 20, 2022

https://twitter.com/yas_memes/status/1516847308310073346

FIGHTER!@DjokerNole shows all his character to defeat Djere 2-6 7-6 7-6 in a marathon #SerbiaOpen encounter 😨 pic.twitter.com/sEftdkICM5

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 20, 2022

Novak Djokovic comes back to beat Laslo Djere 2-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(4) to reach the QFs in Belgrade. Now 3-2 in 2022.

That error from Djere at *4-3 in the tiebreak. My god!

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) April 20, 2022

When he smiles at us … because we were in his ears all throughout the game. @venkatennis @DjokerNole @jelenadjokovic pic.twitter.com/vre6smuTiH

— Rush (@wild_shutterbug) April 20, 2022

YEEEAAAAAAHHH!!!!
Never. Giving. Up. ❤️ #Djokovic #Belgrade2022 pic.twitter.com/0AQ2inUWw9

— Oliwia (@koontzie54) April 20, 2022

Novak #Djokovic, 34 years old, has won 20 out of his last 21 matches which lasted more than 3 hours pic.twitter.com/7cwU739B1m

— Mario Boccardi (@marioboc17) April 20, 2022

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