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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.
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.
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.
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