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Two Sets Closer to History - Djokovic Leads Hurkacz by Two Tiebreaks in Suspended Match


By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Sunday, July 9, 2023

Defending Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic once again proved that getting him into a tiebreak is often at an opponent’s peril.

Tennis Express

That was the case once again as the No. 2 seed Djokovic found himself leading No. 17 seed Hubert Hurkacz of Poland 7-6(6), 7-6(6) in their fourth rounder before the match was suspended on Centre Court due to the local Wimbledon curfew.

Djokovic has now won 14 consecutive tiebreaks at majors in a single season. That gives him the record in the Open Era passing Pete Sampras.

Djokovic, unofficially nicknamed “the tiebreak king”, proved that again as this fourth round match started late on Centre Court.

Hurkacz, a former Wimbledon semifinalist who defeated Roger Federer in his last ever singles match at Wimbledon in 2021, appeared poised to potentially take the first set from the seven-time Wimbledon champion. With potent serving, the 26-year-old Hurkacz placed himself into a tiebreak with Djokovic.

From there, Hurkacz opened up a 6-3 lead and held multiple set points.

Yet Djokovic did not look fazed at all by his deficit. With steely resolve, Djokovic ended up winning the next five points in a row, that included saving three set points, to claim the set 7-6(6).

The second set again proved razor close between both men as neither could find a way to break each other’s serve. Yet, Djokovic and Hurkacz were able to find a moment of levity and sportsmanship midway through the set after Djokovic staggered over the net at the end of an exciting rally, failing to convert a pivotal break point in the process.

Both players found themselves in another tiebreak at the end of the second set. While Hurkacz looked ready to take it, Djokovic proved too strong and steady down the stretch.

Though Hurkacz built a 5-4 lead in the tiebreak, Djokovic quickly seized the momentum to take the tiebreak 7-6(6) and lead by two sets to love.

Djokovic/Hurkacz will resume on Centre Court tomorrow after the Elena Rybakina and Beatriz Haddad Maia fourth round match.

Photo Credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport

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