Published>Wed, Sep 01 10 04:58 AM
Serbia's Novak Djokovic caught his second wind in the nick of time to overcome Davis Cup team mate Viktor Troicki 6-3 3-6 2-6 7-5 6-3 in the first round on a brutally hot day at the U.S. Open on Tuesday.
Djokovic, who has struggled in the heat in the past, looked beaten after trailing two sets to one and a break down at 3-1 in the fourth set, but the third seed came roaring back.
The former Australian Open champion and U.S. Open runner-up broke the big-serving Troicki, ranked 47th, in the sixth game to put the set back on serve and again in the 12th to force a fifth set which he won with relative ease.
The Serbians hugged each other at the net following their three-hour, 40-minute centre court battle.
"Even if I lose today, it would be absolutely deserved on his side," a relieved Djokovic said in an on-court interview. "It was just bad luck for him. I'm happy to get through."
The match was played in searing heat that hit 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 Celsius), leaving the stands more than half empty as fans looked for cooler options.
For the thousands that stayed, many huddled under umbrellas for protection from the sun, they were treated to a terrific tilt.
Troicki, who had lost his last four matches against Djokovic, blasted 23 aces and made life miserable for his compatriot, slugging 66 winners overall.
"You have to give Viktor credit," said Djokovic, who teamed up with Troicki to lead Serbia to their first World Cup semi-final set for September against the Czech Republic.
"He was playing really well and serving incredibly well."
By the fifth set, the late afternoon sun dipped below the lip of Arthur Ashe Stadium, mercifully putting the combatants in the shade.
Asked if that had provided him with some relief, Djokovic sighed. "Oh my god," he said. "It was like, I don't know, sleeping with my girlfriend I guess kind of feeling."
The victory lifted Djokovic to a second-round match against Philipp Petzschner of Germany, who beat Dusan Lojda of the Czech Republic to advance.
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