DOHA, January 3, 2019
Novak Djokovic had to face another stern test at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. After coming back from a set down against Marton Fucsovics in his second round match, the World No. 1 rallied past Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Thursday evening to reach the semi-finals at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha.
Djokovic capitalized on four of his seven break point chances and won 52 per cent of the total points played to seal victory in one hour and 56 minutes.
Another day, another comeback 🔄@DjokerNole recovers from a set down for a second straight day, defeating Basilashvili 4-6 6-3 6-4.#QatarTennis pic.twitter.com/sxsLxGM2YE
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 3. Januar 2019
“Nikoloz was playing terrific right from the beginning. He has played the best tennis of his life in the last 10 months. He is one of the best hitters in the game. I wish him all the best for the rest of the season,” Djokovic said during his post-match on-court interview.
Next up for the top seed will be Roberto Bautista Agut from Spain. The seventh seed beat Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland 6-4, 6-4 in one hour and 45 minutes.
In the second semi-final No. 4 seed Marco Cecchinato from Italy will take on Czech wild card entry Tomas Berdych.
