Sonego spectacularly defeats Djokovic in Vienna, books place in Erste Bank Open semifinal

Friday, 30 October 2020 at 19:10

Lorenzo Sonego did the unthinkable in Vienna by defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets to reach the Erste Bank Open semifinal.

When Lorenzo Sonego entered the main draw of the Erste Bank Open as a lucky loser many believed his stay would be short as he was already defeated in the qualifiers. Little did they know that he would defeat reigning world number one Djokovic several days later to book a spot in the semifinal of the event. Astonishingly it took him only a bit over an hour to defeat Novak 6-2 6-1.

The match started in spectacular fashion as number 42 in the rankings Sonego came out and played like someone that is number one. He broke Djokovic immediately and it was just a showcase of things to come. He continued playing well hitting shots, hitting serves, pretty much dominating Djokovic in rallies and quickly he was up 4-0. Not much changed after that and Sonego won the opening set with 6-2. Djokovic struggled with his serve hitting less than 50 % of his first serves and Sonego attacked his 2nd relentlessly.

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The 2nd set brought a different type of tennis and set but still, the result was shockingly the same. Djokovic was hitting his serve better but once again Sonego had no difficulties in winning rallies and points on the fly. He broke Novak early to take the lead 2-0 lead. He almost added another break later but somehow Djokovic held on. However, the Italian found a way and broke Novak once again with some stellar tennis to take a 4-1 lead. Djokovic came out strong in the next game fighting his way to three consecutive break points but in accordance with his day, he squandered all three to go down 5-1.

Sonego would go on to finish the match with 6-1 and cement a huge upset that nobody saw coming. Despite that, a 6-2 6-1 victory was well deserved when one takes into account the manner of play display from both players.