World no. 1 Novak Djokovic made a strong start at the 2012 Australian Open. The defending champion lost eight games in six sets against Paolo Lorenzi and Santiago Giraldo to sail into the third round. A two-time Australian Open champion played both matches on his beloved Rod Laver Arena.
Following a win over Giraldo, Novak praised the Australian Open center court and said he loves everything about it. Djokovic grabbed 17 straight games against Lorenzi, dominating sets two and three and setting the clash against Santiago Giraldo.
The Colombian made a good start and took a 3-2 advantage in the opener before the Serb shifted into a higher gear and claimed 15 of the last 18 games. Djokovic lost 17 points in 12 service games and lost serve once to keep the pressure on the other side.
He stole Giraldo’s serve seven times from 13 opportunities to control the scoreboard and advance into the next round.
Novak Djokovic made a great start at the 2012 Australian Open.
Novak held at love in the encounter’s first game and squandered a break chance in the next one.
Santiago drew first blood with a break in game five, hitting well so far but losing ground soon after that. Djokovic broke back in game six and did the same at 4-3 to forge the advantage and rattle off four straight games for 6-3.
Novak broke at 15 at the beginning of the second set and held at love to grab six games in a row and 24 of the last 30 points. Djokovic’s fourth consecutive game sends him 3-0 ahead, and he claimed the eighth straight game for a 4-0 advantage.
They both served well in the remaining games, and Novak wrapped up the set with a hold at love at 5-2. The defending champion took four games in a row from 2-1 in the third set to seal the deal and remain on the title course.
« I try not to underestimate the opponents in the early rounds; every victory is very important. This is one of four Majors, and we are all motivated to perform at our best, especially on the center court. Santiago came out and hit the ball flat and early.
Still, I knew his rhythm had to drop and that I had to hang in. I did a good job. I got broken first, but that did not affect me, as I knew I would start hitting the ball with higher intensity. I was too defensive in the opening games, but it was the other way around once I broke back.
No one is invincible, but I indeed feel great on Rod Laver Arena; it’s one of the most successful courts of my career, and I have won two titles there. I like the conditions, the speed of the court, the balls, everything. I feel I belong there every time I step on it, » Novak Djokovic said.
