'Physics defying': Novak Djokovic stuns fans with mind-blowing shot
Novak Djokovic is the greatest Australian Open player of the open era with seven titles to his name and he showed why with a simply insane shot in his second round match.
Djokovic was cruising against Tatsuma Ito in the second set when the Japanese star tricked the Serbian with a nice drop shot.
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But Djokovic showed his trademark agility and was able to dig the ball out and send it low and across court passing his opponent.
The angle appeared improbable but the winner even left Djokovic in the mood to celebrate.
Won’t see a better shot this tournament!
— Mark Petchey (@_markpetchey) January 22, 2020
Did you see that? @DjokerNole hits a physics-defying shot followed by an ace to take the second set.
6-1, 6-4
Don't miss all the action between Djokovic v/s Ito : https://t.co/1USgpm3oOq#AO2020 #SayAOwithLIV #AusOpen— SonyLIV (@SonyLIV) January 22, 2020
What a detail handling! Beautiful @DjokerNole @NovakFanClub pic.twitter.com/jfDoRIPaB7
— Christine Wong (@Kiki_LoveNole) January 22, 2020
Damn that was one hell of a shot @DjokerNole
— John McLaurin (@JohnMcLaurin7) January 22, 2020
Djokovic praises opponent
Djokovic dismissed the Japanese challenger 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 35 minutes on Wednesday.
The world No.2 didn't face a single break point all match and converted five of his own.
"Credit to him for fighting until the end," Djokovic said.
"The second set was pretty close. Tough conditions out here today, very windy, so it's quite unpredictable where the ball is going to go.
"He was playing pretty aggressive and flat with not many unforced errors in the second set from the back of the court.
"I just managed to find my way, I think, serve well from my side a lot today to get out of trouble."
The Serb will go up against another Japanese player in the third round after Yoshihito Nishioka upset British 30th seed Dan Evans 6-4 6-3 6-4.
"I'm playing all the Japanese players in the field," Djokovic said.
"I'm going to probably prepare myself for the next match very similar to this one today.
"Although Nishioka is a left-handed player still, you know, very quick. Probably one of the quickest players we have on the tour.
"Played him a couple of months ago. I know what his strengths and weaknesses are. Hopefully we can execute the game plan."