Djokovic edges Raonic to reach the London semi

Novak Djokovic keeps on marching in London.

The world no.2 defeats Milos Raonic 7-6 (6) 7-6 (5) after a hard-fought battle that lasted 2 hours and 14 minutes. After Nole won the first set (no breaks from either side), things became a bit messy in the second set when the Serbian squandered a one-break-up lead twice (2-0 and 4-2). Eventually, Djokovic kept his cool in the following breaker to recover two mini-breaks before sealing the win.

The match was so close that Djokovic scored 85 points vs. Raonic’s 83. After this win, Nole is the first player to qualify for the semifinal.

#Djokovic pic.twitter.com/swrjSRAQab

— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) November 15, 2016

Being aggressive on his second serve was the key. DJOKOVIC

Nole conceded that the match was so close that it was decided in the last few points to add that being aggressive on Milos’ second serve was the key to his success. The Serbian commented

“It was a very close match. I think very few points separated us tonight. It really could have gone either way. I was fortunate to get through the first set tie-break. I was down very early in both tie-breaks tonight. But I just managed to stay committed and put pressure on his second serves… Again, two tie-breaks against a big server is a great win and great confidence boost.”

It was about details

According to the Canadian, Djokovic was much sharper than him on the break points. Milos commented

“I believe all the break points, except for maybe the set point at the end, he put in a first serve every single time. I believe when he had his break points, I didn’t put in one. I think it’s those little things that make a difference… Those moments he stepped up and played well. I just maybe hesitated a little bit too much. But overall I created a lot of opportunities. I did a lot of good things. A lot of things to be proud of.”

Djokovic will play his third match against Monfils while Raonic will face Thiem to try to qualify for the semi-final.