Aslan Karatsev tops Novak Djokovic after an epic battle at Serbia Open

Aslan Karatsev stunned Novak Djokovic 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 in almost three and a half hours to advance into the Serbia Open final.

The home favorite needed 11 minutes to claim the opening three games, delivering two comfortable holds and breaking Aslan in game two when the Russian sent a loose forehand. Karatsev fought back at 1-3 to break Djokovic's serve and stroke three aces in the next for 3-3. They wasted one break point in games seven and eight before trading breaks from 4-4 to stay neck and neck.

Read also

2021 ATP Serbia Open Prize Money with €711,800 on offer

Aslan served for the set at 5-4 before Novak pulled it back, only to suffer another break that pushed the Russian 6-5 in front. Karatsev made no errors this time and sealed the opener 7-5 after a grueling 70 minutes. From 2-0 down in set number two, Aslan rattled off four straight games to forge a massive advantage that Djokovic erased with a successful return game at 3-4.

The Serb won three incredible points in the tenth game to secure a break and steal the set 6-4 after a notable comeback that brought the decider. With so many twists and turns, they wasted 13 break chances in four different service games before Aslan finally stepped in and broke Novak at 15 in game seven for a 4-3 lead. The Russian saved two break points in game ten and converted the second match point to cross the finish line and celebrate an incredible triumph.

Tennis TV

@TennisTV

·Follow

• Maiden Slam SF on debut • First ATP Tour title in Dubai • First win over a World No.1 What a year for @AsKaratsev! 👏

Watch on Twitter

714

Reply

Copy link

Read 11 replies