Novak Djokovic spoke highly of Hubert Hurkacz after his match in Dubai, praising the Pole’s personality and game. On Thursday, the top-seeded Djokovic defeated 11th-seeded Hurkacz 6-3, 7-5. Djokovic, who now owns a 5-0 head-to-head against Hurkacz, insisted that the Pole was «a challenging opponent as ever.» «It was a challenging match as it always is against Hubert.
One of the best guys on the Tour, definitely. fantastic personality. A very adorable boy, a great relationship with everyone. He is always respectful. I wish him the best for the rest of the season.»
Djokovic said, according to the ATP website.
Djokovic: It was definitely not easy against Hurkacz
The first break points of the match were seen in the fourth game, when Djokovic broke Hurkacz for a 3-1 lead. Breaking early, Djokovic held onto his serve for the remainder of the first set to clinch the opener.
In the second set, not a single break point was seen in the first 10 games of the second set. Djokovic then earned the first break points in game 11 – Hurkacz saved the first four break points in the game before the Serb finally converted his fifth break point to take a 6-5 lead.
In the next game, Djokovic served for the win. «I think he has one of the best serves in the game, so in the second set until that 11th game in the second set, I didn’t really have too many chances against his serve.
He was comfortably winning his service games. Fortunately for me, I also found the rhythm on my serve during the second set and held my serve. Love-30 at 5-4 for him, found a couple of good serves, good plays. Really one or two points can always decide [the winner] of parties like this.
There is not much that separates both players. But I’m very, very happy with the way I played under pressure,» Djokovic explained.
