Novak Djokovic into Tel Aviv Open quarter-finals after victory featuring 'longest game' of his career

ByEurosport

Updated 29/09/2022 at 22:04 GMT

Novak Djokovic has set up a quarter-final meeting with Vasek Pospisil at the Tel Aviv Open after a straight sets win over Pablo Andujar. The 35-year old produced a performance of a similar quality to what he produced against Frances Tiafoe at last weekend's Laver Cup. He had little trouble overcoming the Spaniard on the indoor hard court as he pursues his 89th title on the ATP tour.

Novak Djokovic is into the quarter-finals of the Tel Aviv Open after a dominant 6-0 6-3 win over Spain's Pablo Andujar.

In his first match since a shock defeat to Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Laver Cup last Sunday, and his first tour match in more than two months, the Serb produced a convincing straight sets win over the Spaniard.

Djokovic broke Andujar's first serve four times and did not face a single break point as he cruised to victory in one hour and 27 minutes.

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Djokovic will next play Canada's Vasek Pospisil, who beat qualifier Edan Leshem 6-3 6-2.

However, in the eighth game of the match which Andujar won to make it 1-1, Djokovic squandered five break points in a game which contained 11 deuces and lasted 20 minutes.

He said afterwards that it was the longest game he had ever played in his career.

"The first match started off in a perfect way for me," Djokovic said.

"I won seven games in a row and we were fighting in that eighth game for 15 minutes I think.

"It was one of the longest games I've ever played in my life and I've played many, many games in my life. But credit to Pablo for fighting and playing a great match as well."

'One of the longest games I've ever played' - Djokovic on Tel Aviv win against Andujar

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Despite the lengthy eighth game, Andujar's three represented the fewest amount of games that Djokovic has lost in a match this season.

Djokovic also thanked the Israeli crowd for their support, having not played a tournament in the country since 2006 when he was a teenager.

"Fantastic atmosphere here tonight, thank you very much," Djokovic said.

"I like the court, it's very intimate and it's very loud. The crowd here is very passionate about the sport, about tennis and I'm really, really happy to be here and to perform here in front of you, so thank you for your support."

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