Novak Djokovic endured solely the twelfth bagel set of his illustrious profession in his 2-6, 7-6 (4), 0-6 defeat to Russia’s Andrey Rublev within the Belgrade ultimate on Sunday.
The World No. 1 dropped the opening set for the fourth time in as many matches within the Serbian capital because the in-form Rublev drew first blood. The 24-year-old then saved 5 set factors within the second set however could not stop Djokovic restoring parity by taking the tiebreak.
Nonetheless, Rublev quickly regrouped, romping previous the end line in a flourish as Djokovic ran out of steam, failing to win a sport within the decider. It marked the sixth time the Serb did not win a set in a claycourt match and the primary since his 2020 Roland Garros ultimate in opposition to Rafael Nadal.
Here’s a listing of the occasions Djokovic has been bagelled over the course of his profession (through @vanshv2k on Twitter):
After successful a tour-best third title of the 12 months (additionally Nadal), Rublev spoke glowingly about Djokovic and the followers within the stadium through the trophy presentation:
“It’s massive to play in opposition to you and share the court docket for the second time. I hope we’ve extra battles. I really feel so nice right here, it’s a very good metropolis. It feels actually particular. I need to say an enormous due to all of the spectators for supporting all of the gamers all week. To see full crowds once more is particular for all of us.”
Novak Djokovic’s Serbia Open marketing campaign ends in disappointment
With solely 4 matches performed all 12 months coming into Belgrade, Novak Djokovic expectedly struggled to get going within the Serbian capital.
In his event opener in opposition to Laslo Djere, the World No. 1 got here inside two factors of defeat within the second set tiebreak. Djere was once more within the ascendancy within the decider, however premature forehand errors allowed his illustrious opponent to get out of jail.
It was a lot of the identical story for Djokovic in opposition to one other compatriot, Miomir Kecmanovic, within the 2022 Serbia Open quarterfinals. Finally, the 34-year-old pulled by way of in three units to e book his place within the final 4.
Djokovic performed arguably his finest match of the week in opposition to Karen Khachanov within the semis. After dropping the primary set, the Serb conceded solely three video games within the the rest of the match to storm into the ultimate.
Nonetheless, he met his match in opposition to Rublev within the title match.
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Though he compelled a 3rd set after dropping the opener for the fourth straight match, Rublev’s superior rhythm and match health got here to the fore. Djokovic has now dropped to a 37-6 win-loss report in Belgrade.
