A fascinating play between the pair as AA can be seen running down the sideline to hit a forehand before Djokovic hits a long shot. But on the next point, he undoes all his hard work by hitting a backhand winner. Djokovic makes the Canadian work on the court, makes him run for the ball again, but he hits it very wide.
AA sends a second pitch at 183 mph and finds the line. There’s nothing Djokovic can do about it to put the score up 40-30 before AA’s forehand return lands. Two.
This is the best play of the match so far, with D putting a ton of pressure on AA’s serve.
Djkkokovic gets the first break of the match, hitting AA hard on the backhand, which he knows is a weak spot.
AA makes a timely first serve – his percentage has dropped to 43% in this set – something D can’t handle. Two. He sends an ace at 120 mph.
Djokovic hits back with a monster shot in the next play – his ball construction has really improved in this game – to score.
Another AA ace is already five for the Canadian. AA advantage.
Djokobwich gets him involved in the next play and forces the Canadian to chip just over the line – at first he doesn’t realize the chip has floated out – before the ref intervenes… Another deuce before AA wins the next two points and manages to bravely hold onto the ball.