Points won by each set: | 31-20, 31-24, 50-45 |
Points won directly behind the serve:
25 % Djokovic – 25 of 99
22 % Shelton – 23 of 102
Pretty one-sided indoor encounter for 2.5 sets. In the 3rd set, the 15 years younger Shelton [47] saved a break point at 1:3 and began to play his best tennis encouraged by the local fans. The end stage of the set was really entertaining: Shelton improved from 2:4 to 5:4* having a set point (Djokovic’s service winner). The Serb was serving at 6:5 but wasted a match point with a forehand down the line error. In the tie-break, he raced to a 5:1 lead, but leading 5:4 he had to work with stretch volleys to get another match point which he converted firmly after a 12-stroke rally, and mocked Shelton’s celebration gesture (hang up) from the previous round. The American commented that situation in a stoic manner: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” while Djokovic explained: “I just love Ben’s celebration. I thought it was very original. I copied him. I stole his celebration.”
Points won by each set: | 31-20, 31-24, 50-45 |
Points won directly behind the serve:
25 % Djokovic – 25 of 99
22 % Shelton – 23 of 102
Pretty one-sided indoor encounter for 2.5 sets. In the 3rd set, the 15 years younger Shelton [47] saved a break point at 1:3 and began to play his best tennis encouraged by the local fans. The end stage of the set was really entertaining: Shelton improved from 2:4 to 5:4* having a set point (Djokovic’s service winner). The Serb was serving at 6:5 but wasted a match point with a forehand down the line error. In the tie-break, he raced to a 5:1 lead, but leading 5:4 he had to work with stretch volleys to get another match point which he converted firmly after a 12-stroke rally, and mocked Shelton’s celebration gesture (hang up) from the previous round. The American commented that situation in a stoic manner: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” while Djokovic explained: “I just love Ben’s celebration. I thought it was very original. I copied him. I stole his celebration.”
Serve & volley: Djokovic 2/2, Shelton 4/8
According to my stats, Djokovic, Nadal & Murray, each of these three great players has won 70 sets facing a set point