Novak Djokovic edges Nuno Borges to reach the semifinal in Athens
Novak Djokovic advanced to the semifinals of the ATP 250 tournament in Athens after defeating Nuno Borges 7-6 (7-1), 6-4 in a match lasting 1 hour and 43 minutes.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion dropped only 12 points on serve and saved two break points during the opening set. He converted one of his five break chances and produced 22 winners against 20 unforced errors.
Borges managed to save two break points in the second and eighth games of the first set but failed to capitalize on two break opportunities in the ninth game. The opener stayed on serve until the tie-break, where Djokovic dominated with three mini-breaks to win 7-1.
In the second set, Djokovic held all his service games and secured the decisive break in the seventh game. He closed out the match with a confident hold in the tenth game.
“It was a very physical battle. I thought Nuno played a high level. I was a bit surprised with how good he played. I think we went toe to toe, most of the match. Just a few points decided the winner tonight and he deserves a round of applause for his performance,” said Djokovic.
Djokovic will now face Yannik Hanfmann in the semifinals, after Hanfmann defeated Marcos Giron 7-6 (7-3), 6-4.
Author’s Summary
Djokovic battled past a strong-performing Borges in Athens, showing his resilience to secure a semifinal spot against Hanfmann after a tight two-set win.