Djokovic Slips To Surprise Defeat At Barcelona Open
Zeeshan Mehtab Published April 25, 2018 | 07:52 PM
Novak Djokovic suffered a surprise defeat in his latest comeback from injury after the Serb was beaten by Martin Klizan in his first match at the Barcelona Open on Wednesday.
Barcelona, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Apr, 2018 ) :Novak Djokovic suffered a surprise defeat in his latest comeback from injury after the Serb was beaten by Martin Klizan in his first match at the Barcelona Open on Wednesday.
Djokovic had been on course to meet Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals in Spain but a disjointed display gave Klizan, ranked 140th in the world, a 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 victory. While Klizan goes through to meet Spanish clay-court specialist Feliciano Lopez in the last 16, Djokovic will now have to reset, with the French Open next month fast approaching.
His latest setback is not the shock it once might have been. After losing in the Australian Open fourth round in January, Djokovic underwent surgery to correct an injury to his right elbow, which had been troubling him for almost two years.
The problem has coincided with a prolonged slump in form for the 12-time major champion, who has reached only one grand slam final since winning the French Open in 2016.
But a reunion with long-time coach Marian Vajda earlier this month had sparked hopes Djokovic could yet steer his career back on track.
There were encouraging signs in Monte Carlo last week, despite a three-set defeat to Dominic Thiem, with Djokovic declaring there he was finally playing without pain. He was well below his best against Klizan, however, as the Slovak claimed his first victory against a top-20 opponent in just over two years.
After a miserable opening set, Djokovic looked to have found his groove in the second as he dominated from the baseline and began to find the corners with his forehand. But, while at his best Djokovic was always ice cool under pressure, he buckled in the decider, planting a Klizan lob into the net before a nervy forehand volley conceded the crucial break at 4-3.
Serving for the match, Klizan double-faulted but he had three chances to close out and clinched the second when another Djokovic forehand missed its mark.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
More Stories From Sports
-
Victor Boniface: Leverkusen boss Alonso makes you 'up your game'
1 hour ago -
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable victory over UAE
5 hours ago -
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
11 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
12 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
14 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
15 hours ago
-
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
15 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
14 hours ago -
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
15 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
14 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
14 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
14 hours ago