Novak Djokovic escapes in 3,5 hour stunner against Djere in Belgrade

Novak Djokovic played almost four hours against Lasjo Djere in Belgrade and he was able to escape from the match 2-6 7-6(6) 7-6(4).

Djokovic finally won a match and it came in his native Serbian in Belgrade where he played compatriot Laslo Djere. The Serbian entered the match once again playing very very rusty and Djere was simply better. There was no way Djokovic was able to do anything of note in that first set as Djere was able to cruise 6-2. The 2nd set featured more battles by Djokovic but it was overall quite hard to watch as the Serbian looked very rusty.

His movement was off and he was quite late on many balls forcing him to play awkward shots at times. Djokovic had some chances early in the 2nd set as Djere was struggling with his timing as well but eventually, Djere was able to take the break 4-3.

It seemed like he would finish it off but Djokovic played a vintage game to break back. Eventually, we ended up in a very fun tiebreak with Djokovic finally using his 3rd set point to win it. Novak was playing a bit better as the match went on but that coincided with Djere playing a bit worse. Djokovic then broke his opponent early in the 3rd set for the 1-0 lead. He gave it right back as the match continued to be a proper thriller.

Both players had later huge holds when the match was seemingly going the other way. Once again it was the tiebreak that settled it and initially it was Djere who had the upper hand. Djere slammed an easy forehand at 4-3 into the net which could have given him a decisive lead and after that he crumbled mentally allowing Djokovic to escape with a win.