Novak Djokovic is setting himself apart from the flash and grace of Roger Federer and the speed and power of Rafael Nadal. He is the grinder who just pounds away until his opponent cannot respond in kind.
That is what he did against Tommy Robredo, outlasting him, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, in a fourth-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Many of the rallies lasted longer than 20 strokes, with each player hitting the ball as hard as he could with every swing.
Djokovic had the trainer treat him for an injured right hip and a turned right ankle on separate occasions. Robredo finally took a tumble, literally, serving at 15-30, 2-2 in the fifth set. He lost the next two points and was broken. Djokovic broke him again in the final game to close out the 3 hour, 44 minute match.
Djokovic was exhausted as he gave an oncourt interview after it was over. “I need to stay next to the net, otherwise I would fall down,” he said. “I’m happy to get through.”
He will face the winner of the match between Andy Roddick and Fernando Gonzalez.
“If I start talking about the things that bother me now we will be talking to tomorrow,” he said. “Whoever I play will be in better physical shape than me.”
[nyt]
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