23YO Czech ATP Star Revisits Novak Djokovic Thriller When the Serbian’s ‘True Level of Tennis’ Surfaced Out of Nowhere

Novak Djokovic is one of the most dangerous opponents a player can face on his way to a final. Regardless of his strengths, many hope to meet him and have a brilliant match at least once in their careers. Tomas Machac had this wish come true earlier this year, and the bout between the two players was one that stayed in the heart of the Djoker as well. Now, months after the memorable match, Machac shares his mindset while facing Djokovic.

The two players faced each other in the round of 32 of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships earlier this year. After the bout, Djokovic acknowledged the efforts of his opponent and even he felt that it was a close match.

Czech star reminisces about his great match with Novak Djokovic

During his interview with Punto De Break, Machac talked about his season as he managed to move up significantly in the rankings and will end the year ranked 79. Machac also achieved a career-high of 64 this season. In the interview, he talked about some of his best moments this season and did not miss mentioning his match against Djokovic.

He said, “The normal thing, when you face someone like that, is to be a little nervous. Everyone is and that was the case for me too. After the first set I started to feel the ball much better, to have a lot of confidence in my game. In the third set I lost 4-2 or 3-1, I don’t remember, but I was able to break serve and tie the match.”

But he could not overcome Djokovic even though he was at his best, “That’s when I saw Novak’s true level of tennis: after breaking his serve, I didn’t have any opportunity to get close to his serve, not even in the tiebreak, I was always the one in tow. He saw it, he felt it, and that’s why he’s the best: even when you start playing better, he’s able to find another gear.”

While this match brought out his best tennis, Machac was unable to perform at the same level after that. The bout against Djokovic would be one that the tennis world will remember as the Czech star was close to the win against one of the all-time greats.

How Djokovic rallied from behind in the courts of Dubai

When Djokovic was set to face a player ranked 130 in the Dubai Tennis Championships, many assumed it would be an easy win. The match started off in the classical Djoker fashion, with him clinching the first set 6-3. But the second set would surprise everyone as the 22-year-old Czech star would win the second set in the same fashion as the Serb, winning 6-3.

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The third set was filled with surprises as it went to a tie-breaker, with the Serbinator eventually winning 7-6 (1). Djokovic was surprised with the quality of tennis Machac was able to show as he pushed back against him constantly. However, he was confident in his abilities and managed to clinch the victory. 

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