Long-ago playmates produced an entertaining and lengthy U.S. Open match that was awesome and will be remembered for quite a long.
When it ended, Djokovic waved his hands to admire the fans standing ovations, which held them captivated for four and a half hours. Meanwhile, Stepanek stepped over the net, dropped his racket to apply a heartily hug to his worn out friend, by nearly toppling him.
Addressing the crowd Djokovic said:
I am totally exhausted. I have no energy. I smelt my shoes, they are so stinky, but it’s always good to win those matches. It was unforgettable. I hope you enjoyed it.
Stepanek tried everything he knew to dodge the third seed who has emerged to be a potential challenger to No. 1 Roger Federer and No. 2 Rafael Nadal. Djokovic finally sailed home to reach the third round 6-7, 7-6, 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 as the match lasted 63 games, tying the most in a singles match to contest 356 points, at the U.S. Open since 1979.
Meanwhile, the 2000 Open winner, Marat Safin bowed out of the tournament after being beaten 6-3 6-3 6-3 by 22-year-old Stanislas Wawrinka. Making 51 unforced errors, compared to 20 by his Swiss opponent, Safin was never able to break serve.
Second-ranked Nadal, struggling with troubles on the left knee, reached the third round when Serbian Janko Tipsarevic retired due to a right side injury with the Spaniard leading 6-2, 6-3, 3-2.
Tim Henman’s dream to win a grand slam in his last appearance got ruined after being knocked by the Frenchman, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
In the women’s event, five women’s stars advanced on a busy US Open. World number one Justine Henin needed only 50 minutes to reach the fourth round with a 6-0 6-2 triumph over Russian qualifier Ekaterina Makarova. Venus and Serena Williams the former champions have also advanced to the fourth round with straight-set wins.
Via: NZherald
