Baena vs Djokovic: After defeating Spanish Carballes Baena on Tuesday, January 17 at the Rod Laver Arena, Novak Djokovic began his Australian Open 2023 journey on an emotional high. At Melbourne Park, Djokovic clinched his 22nd straight victory and hasn’t lost in a hard-court competition since 2019. The 21-time Grand Slam Singles Champion claimed that performing at Rod Laver Arena makes him feel completely at ease.
Carballés Baena, who performs best on clay surfaces, battled passably and caused little scuffle in the 2nd set, but Djokovic was always at ease and unconcerned the entire time, smashing serve at whim and maintaining composure. Djokovic swept the Baena vs Djokovic contest after taking the first 2 sets, destroying his Spanish counterpart in the 3rd set. The Serbian player hit up to 9 aces during the game, while his opposition was content with 4. On his initial and 2nd serves, Djokovic achieved victory percentages of 87 and 64, correspondingly. Djokovic delivered the quickest service of the game (202 KPH).
Baena vs Djokovic: Carballes Baena struggled during the initial 2 sets
Baena vs Djokovic: The 75th-ranked Carballes Baena provided a lot of opposition in the opening 2 sets, forcing Djokovic to rally from 0-40 at 2-2. But it turned out it was the sole time Djokovic really felt vulnerable, as he breezed throughout the 3rd set, dropping only 4 points.
19 mins into the game, with the tallies locked at 2-2, it was clear that the 2 competitors were exerting themselves differently. Carballés Baena was at the opposite side, gasping for breath and clearly having his wet jersey stuck to him. On the other side, Djokovic appeared to have scarcely perspired. Meanwhile, Carballés Baena quickly put the Serb to action, fabricating an 0-40 lead in the 5th round to secure himself 3 breakpoints.
Novak Djokovic’s hamstring issue
Baena vs Djokovic: Supporters could have momentarily begun to worry that Djokovic’s left thigh was impeding him because it was extensively wrapped as he progresses to treat the hamstring strain that prompted him tennis withdraw from a practice session last week.
The 21-time Grand Slam victor quickly abated such worries though, scoring five consecutive games to retain service before breaking Carballés Baena to love during the Baena vs Djokovic contest. Djokovic grabbed 13 of the following 15 points to establish a dominating 5-2 advantage, breaking not only the Spaniard’s service but also his morale.
Baena vs Djokovic: Baena maintained his composure during the encounter with Djokovic
Baena vs Djokovic: It never proved to be easy for Carballés Baena. To maintain that initial degree of energy simply to stay up with Djokovic. And the 9-time Australian Open winner quickly ended the opening set 6-3.
Carballés Baena deserves a lot of praise for maintaining his composure despite losing the opening set. The 29-year-old played attacking tennis and displayed some incredible defense. To let Djokovic obtain his 1st service opportunity of the 2nd set.
Baena vs Djokovic: Novak Djokovic’s 35th winning streak in Australia
Baena vs Djokovic: At 3-3 in the 2nd set, an incredible 28-shot duel that Djokovic prevailed. After hunting down a Carballés Baena drop shot establishing the mood for the match’s pivotal contest.
After a painful 5 minutes of struggle, Djokovic prevailed to break serve for the initial moment in the set. And then held to love in the following round during Baena vs Djokovic encounter. Djokovic had to serve for the 2nd set after Carballés Baena’s 2nd retention of service. However, he once again survived to love to establish a dominating 2-set advantage. Carballés Baena, who had done excellently in the first 2 sets to qualify for this encounter. Dealt a hard conclusion to the contest.
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