‘Rafael Nada would not give up, even at 0-5,’ Novak Djokovic recalls

'Rafael Nada would not give up, even at 0-5,' Novak Djokovic recalls

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal set the Blockbuster semifinal at Montreal 2007. Nadal had defeated Djokovic three times in previous months, and Serbia really wanted to change it in Canada and advanced to the title clash. Novak defeated Rafa 7-5, 6-3 in one hour and 51 minutes to move to the final on his debut in Canada Masters.

Djokovic became the third U20 player with three 1000 final masters in one season after the Marat of Safin and Rafael Nadal. Novak maintains all eight opportunities for resting and maintaining pressure on the other side. Rafa was very damaged in each set to give up victory to his rival and complete the campaign in the semifinals.

Djokovic is a more aggressive player, fired 25 winners and forced 30 Nadal’s mistakes. Serbia created a large gap in the shortest range of four blows and defeated the Spanish racer in which was expanded to close the agreement and advance to the final.

Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal at Montreal 2007.

Rafa parried the 1-2 break opportunity in the opening with the winner of Forehand and took him home with the winner of the service. Djokovic served well and opened the 4-3 advantage before Nadal won the next with a strong Crosscourt Backhand.

Novak defended three rest points in 5-5 to stay on the positive side and get encouragement. He forced Rafa’s mistake in Game 12 to get a break and wrap the opening. Djokovic had to dig deeper in serving at the beginning of the second set, parrying opportunities for resting in the opening match and four more at 1-1.

He never experienced problems when serving again, and his pressure was in Nadal. Rafa served in 3-4 and netted a piece to suffer a break and push the world no. 3 in front. Djokovic was tasked with winning in the Nine game and held in Love to seal the agreement in style and advance to the final 1000 Masters 1000 Hard-Court Third Final in a row.

“I faced the world no. 2, and you could not expect an easy match. Rafa and I had played several times before, and I defeated him hard. I had positive thoughts before the match, knowing that I had to play aggressive tennis and controlling demonstrations.

I like to seal the agreement in a straight set. I have to stay focused all the time, because I know Nadal will not give up even at 0-5. I have to control important points on the opportunity to rest and not let it take advantage. Rafa struggled in his game, and I broke it at the right time in the two sets.

It was an impressive match, and I was satisfied with the level I produced. The surface in Montreal is fast, and I have to shoot and make it uncomfortable. I have to remain patient and aggressive simultaneously, and my service helps me a lot, “said Novak Djokovic.