Novak inspired by home courts
Novak Đoković, the best tennis player in the world, got into the quarter-final of Belgrade Open.
In his first match at this tournament in his hometown, he bested the enthusiastic German player, Mats Moraing, with 6:2, 7:6(4).Interestingly, for 28-year old Moraing, this was only the third ATP tour match in his career, and he currently ranks as the 253rd best player.
“I played against him for the first time, I didn’t have too many opportunities to see him before. He surprised me with strong serves and backhands. I had control for a set and a half, and then he had excellent games. I played the tie break well, but his game influenced my rhythm. That is tactically difficult, when you play against players who go for all or nothing. The beginning of the tournament was a little harder, but I am glad that I didn’t lose the set and that I overcame the challenge. Physically, I’m feeling good. I played on a home court and I hope that there will be an audience at the next match, to feel their energy and support,” said Đoković.
In the quarter-final, Đoković will play against the 96th tennis player in the world, Argentinean Federico Coria, the younger brother of legendary Guillermo Coria.
“Guillermo was one of the best in the world in his day. It’s interesting to see how Federico walks, he reminds me a lot of his older brother. He has a fighting spirit, he doesn’t give up and he tries to lose to his opponent, not to himself. He likes to play on clay, he is still young and is one of the up-and-coming Argentinean tennis players. We will be playing against each other for the first time. He played well today, and had an impressive win against Cuevas. He doesn’t have anything to lose, I’m sure he will give it his best. I believe a good match awaits us,” said the best tennis player in the world.
With today’s victory, the 951st in his career, the tennis player from Belgrade became the fifth tennis player in history in terms of the number of victories at ATP Tour.
“I am proud of this result and I am happy that I managed to place my name to a new place in history. The fact that my name will be mentioned in the same sentence as the other greats of our sport makes me happy and I am grateful for that. That inspires me to continue. It is not my priority, but it comes as a consequence of quality work,” said the Serbian player.