Serbian No 1 Novak Djokovic had a hard time in overcoming the Swiss hurdle in the form of Stanislas Wawrinka during the 4th round match at the Australian Open 2013. The defending champion must have never expected such a determination and grit from the German citizenship holder that almost cost him the match. It would have been even more shameful considering the fact that other seeded players were able to successfully reach further rounds. However, it was the timely execution of shots by Djokovic due to the experience he has got that helped him in winning the match.
Wawrinka must have surprised the fans of Djokovic by winning the first set with ample ease. Before the Serb could realize the damage happened, it was the Swiss player who was fast advancing to win the second set. However, the real player in him woke up after the initial damage. Reaching the quarter-finals was a hectic effort that required something on the lines of supernatural display of heroics in a perfect manner. Meanwhile, it was sheer display of talent from Wawrinka who won the first set 6-1 and was leading the second set with 5-2 after which the downslide began for him.
There was no looking back for the Serbian as he took control of the match by winning the successive sets. Wawrinka struck back form in the right time by taking the match to the final set for a decider during which the real test for both the players has began. Beating the sweltering heat in Melbourne, they both have managed the set beyond 20 games on an overall with the Serbian winning the set with 12-10 in the end. That was a huge relief for Djokovic that exulted in excitement by going topless.
Tensions grew during such an epic match when it lasted for more than five hours. Nicknamed as ‘The Joker’ for his feats on the field, this match was a huge consolation on an overall. However, this win will serve as a warning for other seeded players who have advanced into further rounds. Djokovic is definitely determined to add another title to his tally on par with Roger Federer who is equally determined as well. The biggest secret for the Serbian’s game is that he played a patient game after he felt that he is one the receiving end. More specifically, he waited for Wawrinka to make mistakes so that he could take control of the game.
Perhaps, the way the second set progressed, no spectator was ready to heed that Djokovic will be able to win. However, it is all because of the experience through which he managed to win the game eventually. Perhaps, this is just the beginning of more such exciting games in store. There are no major casualties in the tournament so far with all the seeded players winning their respective matches accordingly. After the end of the match, Djokovic rightly gave a huge pat to Wawrinka for playing such a dominating game, which almost snatched the match away from the Serb.
