Demand in the first set and down in the second, Novak Djokovic added against the Dutch Tallon Griekspoor (7-5, 6-1 in 1h.17′) his second ATP 250 victory on clay Geneva, Switzerland)where the Serbian plays this week in search of a more competitive shot before tackling the defense of his title. Roland Garros (May 26-June 9).
“I’m looking for my best possible level. Right now, there’s no better training for me than playing matches. I feel like I need more matches, this is my way of trying to find my form for at Roland Garros,” said Djokovic days ago to explain his unexpected presence in Geneva, determined after leaving Rome with bad feelings and a clear defeat against the Chilean Alejandro Tabilo by 6-2 and 6-3.
After defeating the German Yannick Hanfmann (85th) in the round of 16 (6-3, 6-3) and Griekspoor (27th) in the quarterfinals (7-5, 6-1), the current No. 1 will have at least one more filming game on the way to Roland Garros, this Friday’s semifinals against Tomas Macacthere is still a schedule to be determined by the organization.
The Czech, 23 years old and world number 44, beat the American in the quarterfinals Alex Michelsen by 6-3 and 7-6 (2) and he sold last year his defeat against Djokovic in Dubai, the only precedent between the two on the ATP circuit: 6-3, 3-6 and 7-6 (1). Macchac is one of those youngsters who is not well known to the general public, but has the potential to rise through the ranks very soon.
‘Nole’ beat Griekspoor a few hours after the Dutchman finished his match Denis Shapovalov, was suspended on Wednesday due to rain as the Canadian dominated 7-6 and 3-3. The Dutchman overturned the score and advanced to the quarterfinals, but his second effort fell short against Djokovic.
At 4-5 in favour, Tallon had four balls to score in the first set, but the Serbian went up four before holding serve (5-5) and, he did, eventually break his rival’s serve, the those skills of great numbers in crucial moments of matches. Djokovic did not forgive and, after scoring the first set 7-5, Griekspoor’s resistance weakened in the second (6-1).
The Serbian, who turned 37 on Wednesday, advanced to the semifinals after knowing the draw for Roland Garros, where he will make his debut against the Frenchman. Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Roberto Carballés or Constant Lestienne (2nd round), Lorenzo Musetti, Gael Monfils (3rd), Tommy Paul (eighth round), Casper Ruud (quarterfinals), Alexander Zverev, Rafa Nadal (semifinals), Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner (final) are his rivals may be later.
Source: La Verdad
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