Berankis claimed breaks to begin both sets but Djokovic bounced back to triumph. There were injury worries though with his withdrawal from doubles due to a neck strain apparent; he had to call for ATP physio Clay Sniteman in the first set and reached for his head during the fifth game of the second.

The World No.1 admitted that it's all a waiting game to see how it reacts after the match but he believes it is getting better.

"It's getting better. It's been four days. It's not yet where I'd like it to be but it’s heading in the right direction.

"Hopefully it will not react with the inflammation after tonight's match. We'll do everything possible with the physio and then we'll see what tomorrow brings.”

He admitted that his neck did have an impact on his performance especially on serve with seven double faults hit: “Well, it has bothered me... I made so many double faults, and he knew exactly where I'm going to serve. There were not many options for me because just the awkward situation I was in.

”But I managed somehow with the great help of Clay, ATP physiotherapist, who did his best to make sure I feel better. I tried to take one game at a time. He was striking the ball really well. He was playing super fast."

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