By Chris Oddo | Thursday, August 14, 2014
Tommy Robredo notched his first win over a world No. 1 in over 11 years, stunning Novak Djkovic in straight sets in Cincinnati.
Photo Source: Jonathan Moore/Getty
Novak Djokovic’s bid to become the first ATP player to win all nine Masters 1000 titles ended prematurely, as the world No. 1 was bounced out of the Western and Southern Open by Tommy Robredo, 7-6(6), 7-5 on Thursday afternoon.
WTA: Serena Williams and Simona Halep Hold Court on Day 4
The victory marks the second career victory over a reigning world No. 1 for Robredo, and the first time that he has accomplished the feat in over ten years.
“When I finish my career and when I will be sitting at home and talking with friends, I will remember days like this,” an elated Robredo said after the match.
The 32-year-old ended a personal six-match losing streak against Djokovic. He will bid to reach his third semifinal in Cincinnati when he faces either Mikhail Youzhny or David Ferrer in Friday’s quarterfinals.
Djokovic, a four-time finalist in Cincinnati, continued the struggles that began last week in Toronto. Since the Wimbledon final, the world No. 1 has lost two of four matches, failing to reach the quarterfinals of both Masters 1000 events.
"Many, many, many things are not clicking these two weeks on hard courts," said Djokovic, according to atpworldtour.com. "It's unfortunate, but it's more than obvious I'm not playing even close to what I'm supposed to play. I have to keep on working and trying to get better for US Open."
Djokovic struggled from the baseline again today, committing 30 unforced errors against only 19 winners.
Robredo had two match points with Djokovic serving at 4-5 in the second set, but he became tight and dropped four straight points.
After holding serve he earned his third match point when Djokovic buried a makeable forehand into the net.
The Spaniard, who needed to see the trainer for an apparent leg or foot injury late in the second set, sealed the victory with a smash on the next point, before raising his arms in celebration.
“This pain is nothing compared to the chance of beating a world No. 1,” he said on court after the match in an interview.
Robredo improves to 2-6 vs. world No. 1’s with the victory, and 2-6 vs. the top ten in 2014.