For the second match in a row, Novak Djokovic was forced to battle back from a set down before moving into the next round of the US Open.
The world No.1 was given a stern test in his last 16 encounter against America’s Jenson Brooksby whom he ousted 1-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2. Djokovic, who is bidding to win a record 21st Grand Slam title in New York, failed to hold serve in two out of his first three service games before regaining consistency on the court. Hitting a total of 45 winners against 41 unforced errors and winning 73% of his first service points.
“It’s different stepping out on the court for the first time against someone that really has nothing to lose. He’s a young, talented player that is very crafty. He’s got the really all-around game. He was pumped. He had the crowd behind him, of course. He played a perfect first set. Everything he intended to do he executed it perfectly,” Djokovic said of the youngster.
“I was just trying to find a rhythm, trying to read his game, trying to understand where I can find holes in his game and start to attack and shift the momentum to my Side.” He added.
Brooksby is billed as one of the brightest prospects in America’s men’s tennis after what has been a breakout season for him. Earlier this year he reached the final of four consecutive Challenger tournaments, winning the title in three of those. More recently he reached his first ATP Tour final in Newport and the semifinals in Washington. He is the youngest American man to reach the last 16 of the US Open since Andy Roddick back in 2002.
“I think we’re going to see a lot of him in the future,” Djokovic commented. “He has the means. Obviously a lot of things have to come together, but he has a bit of an unorthodox game, does a lot with the feel. But he’s smart. He knows how to win points.”
Djokovic has now won 25 consecutive matches in a Grand Slam which is only the fourth longest streak in his career. It is also the 51st time he has reached the quarter-final of a major tournament and it is the 11th time he has done so at the US Open.
Awaiting the top seed in the next round will be Matteo Berrettini, who Djokovic has nicknamed the ‘hammer of tennis.’ Berrettini defeated Germany’s Oscar Otte 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. The upcoming encounter will be a rematch of this year’s Wimbledon final which Djokovic won in four sets.
“Next to del Potro, he’s probably the hardest hitter of serve and forehand. He’s got the lethal-serve-plus-one game. He’s already established as a top player. Without a doubt,” he said of the Italian.
“If he serves well, which is his biggest weapon, he’s tough. He’s tough on any surface to play against.”
Djokovic has now won 79 main draw matches at the US Open.
