Djokovic made to work hard for win
Novak Djokovic could face Roger Federer in the semis
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Monday, 22, Jun 2009 09:55
Novak Djokovic was forced to come back from a set down on his way to securing a hard-fought 6-7 (8-10) 7-6 (7-1) 6-2 6-4 win over Julien Benneteau.
The world number four had chances to take the first set on the tie-break, but fail to take them and lost it 10-8.
Djokovic was unable to get on top of the gutsy Frenchman and was taken to another tie-break in the second set. This time though the Serb showed his class as he raced through it to take it 7-1.
It was far easier for Djokovic in the third set as a couple of early breaks of serve saw him take a 5-0 lead. He was broken back once, but went on to take the set 6-2.
Benneteau went over badly on his knee towards the end of the third set, but was able to continue. He held his own in the fourth set, but Djokovic made the crucial break of serve to take the set 6-4 and wrap up the win.
Elsewhere, a week after reaching the final of Queen's, 17th seed James Blake suffered a shock 7-5 6-4 7-6 (7-5) at the hands of Italian Andreas Seppi.
"I still feel like I can play with anyone in the world, but it's just for some reason lately it has been very inconsistent," said Blake.
"I know I still have the ability. It's just frustrating, because it's happening at big tournaments where I'm having my not-so-good performances."
Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was given a tough match by Kazakhstani player Andrey Golubev, but eventually came through 6-3 5-7 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5).
Tommy Robredo, the 15th seed, also had a difficult match as he beat Luka Gregorc 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 5-7 7-6 (7-3).
Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, who beat Andy Murray at the Australian Open, was far too strong for British number four James Ward as he won 6-1 6-3 6-4.