Google News 'There was something different with Novak Djokovic from...', says ATP star
by SIMONE BRUGNOLI | VIEW 3544
The third round of the US Open started as too high an obstacle in Novak Djokovic's career. He defeats in 2005 with Fernando Verdasco and in 2006 with Lleyton Hewitt. In 2007, however, the Serbian's streak began in this instance of the last major of the season.
Streak that continues to the point that this Saturday he will seek to reach 14 consecutive classifications to the fourth round of the US Open. Kei Nishikori will be the one who tries to stop him, even if he loses the ATP HeadToHead record 2-17 to the current No.
1 in the FedEx ATP Rankings. "I would have preferred to face someone of lower rank," confessed the Japanese, current world No. 56. But I always love a challenge. Even though I have a bad record, I always try to be positive. I'm sure it will be difficult, but I will do my best.
" If Djokovic wins the 20th meeting between the two, he would reach 975 victories in his career, and 320 in Grand Slams. In addition, he would secure his presence in a second week in majors for the 56th time. The last time he fell short of losing in a third round of this type of tournament was at the 2017 Australian Open (l.
with Istomin). 55-5 is the record of the three-time US Open champion in third rounds of Grand Slam. Later in the day and at the same Arthur Ashe Stadium, Alexander Zverev will seek to reach 14 consecutive wins. The gold medal winner at the Tokyo Olympics and the ATP Masters 1000 in Cincinnati will meet local Jack Sock, with whom he has a negative 1-2 record but who he has not faced since the 2017 Nitto ATP Finals.
Lajovic reflects on Novak Djokovic
Dusan Lajovic recently talked at length about countryman Novak Djokovic, giving his perspective on the asension of the 20-time Major champion to the top of the sport. "It was a long time ago.
It is three years' difference [in age]. I think Novak was 16 years old when I saw him for the first time at a tennis court at Partizan [tennis club]," Lajovic told ATPTour.com. "Everybody was saying, 'This is one of the guys that will be really good at tennis.'
You could see there was something different with him from the other guys." Lajovic also reckons it will be difficult for someone in the future to replicate the success that Djokovic, Federer and Nadal have achieved. "It is incredible, especially because you are also playing in this era of the guys who are breaking records," Lajovic said.
"To be in the same era as one of the guys who is the greatest of all-time, you know this is history. It will be really hard for someone to break these records these guys achieved and the way Novak is playing right now."