World No.1 Novak Djokovic, who was hoping for a title on clay dirt at the ATP 250 Banja Luka event, lost to compatriot Dusan Lajovic in the quarterfinals. The 70th-ranked Lajovic outclassed his fellow Serb 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) on Friday.
Djokovic failed to convert three set points in the second-set tie-break against Lajovic. Overall, he converted only one of 16 break chances. Lajovic saved 15 of 16 break points, winning the final points to deny the 22-time Grand Slam winner his first title on European clay this year. The first defeat on clay for Djokovic was at the Monte-Carlo Open, 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti.
Notably, this defeat from a fellow Serb countryman is Djokovic’s first time in 11 years. Previously, he lost to Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic in 2012 in Madrid. Also Read: “You Want Actual Cause To Be At The Forefront,” Andy Murray Extends Support To Ukrainians After Wimbledon Lifts Ban On Russians And Belarusians
Will Novak Djokovic struggle in French Open also?
Now this defeat has raised many eyebrows over Djokovic form ahead of the French Open which will start on May 28. He will be entering the country in the hope of lifting his record 23 Grand Slam title. However, he has been struggling a bit with elbow issues in recent weeks. “I hope to get into tip-top shape for Roland Garros. I want to play my best tennis there,” Djokovic said after the match. Also Read: Novak Djokovic Vs Dusan Lajovic Match Prediction, Head-To-Head, Preview, And Live Stream | Banja Luka Open
“The conditions are totally different there in comparison with Monte-Carlo and Banja Luka. There are still several weeks to practice and play. In the previous seasons, I’ve always had an unsatisfying and slow start on clay and then played better tennis in the final stages. I hope to repeat the same pattern this year,” he added.
Now Djokovic will be participating in Madrid Open which begins next week. He has lifted the title three times, in 2011, 2016, and 2019.
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