Le Serbe Novak Djokovic (4e world) easily defeated the Italian Flavio Cobolli (30e) 6-1, 6-2, in the third round of the Shanghai Masters 1000. Djokovic, who had not played before Shanghai at the ATP since the US Open, was untouchable and succeeded in everything he did against Cobolli, 22, who could do nothing.
In the next round, the world number 4 will face Roman Safiulin (61e), he who fell for Frances Tiafoe (17e) 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7/5), who, furious, left the court insulting the referee several times. ATP did not react immediately.
In the first set, the 37-year-old Serbian took the Italian’s serve very early on twice, quickly leading 4-1, and displaying an excellent level of play. In the second act, Djokovic broke to lead 3-2, leaving nothing to his young opponent who seemed very tender, accumulating only six winning shots over the entire match, far too few to prevent the Serbian’s advance.
Zverev cracks Griekspoor in three sets
The latter could find the German Alexander Zverev (3e), winner Tuesday after a long fight from the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor (40e) 7-6 (8/6), 2-6, 7-6 (7/5). The two players went blow for blow in an extended first set which lasted 1h07 min. It was the German who knew how to be the most patient in making his opponent crack (8/6).
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But Griekspoor quickly got his head back on track by starting the second act with a double break to lead 3-0, and conclude 6-2. In the third, both players controlled each other. After saving six match points, Griekspoor had to lose (7/5).
In the next round, the German will find the Belgian David Goffin (66e) who beat the American Marcos Giron (47e) 1-6, 6-3, 7-5.
