Djokovic Crashes Out Of Banja Luka To Lajovic; Rublev Thru To SFs

For the second straight week, Novak Djokovic failed again to win two matches at a clay event. Today, the world No. 1 was bundled out in straight sets in the Banja Luka quarterfinals by countryman Dusan Lajovic 6-4, 7-6(8-6).

“I’m overwhelmed, it is the biggest win of my career,” Lajovic told the crowd. “The emotions are very mixed because I’m playing here in front of the home town and I’m also playing against Nole who is a good friend and he’s a hero of our country. Beating him, it’s something that I didn’t even think is going to be possible, but it happened.”

Djokovic finished one of 16 on break chances, only getting a break on Lajovic in the middle of the first set. He had break chances in six different games, converting only once, and led 6-3 in the second set breaker.

“Dusan is a fantastic person, great guy,” Djokovic said to the ATP. “Someone I’ve known for a very long time, since he started playing professional tennis. So many times on the Davis Cup team together, trained together. I’m happy for him, to be honest. I know this is an important win for him considering the last 12 months that he’s been through, it’s not been easy for him. He’s playing well and he deserved to win today.”

Djokovic fell from a set up last week in the third round at Monte Carlo to Lorenzo Musetti.

Djokovic is now just 2-3 in his last five matches heading into the Madrid Masters. His elbow and his game are both a concern.

Monte Carlo champion Andrey Rublev kept cruising taking out home hope Damir Dzumhur 7-5, 6-3.

The 25-year-old Rublev was four of seven on break chances. He lost just four points on first serve in the first set helping him overcome a 5-2 deficit.

Rublev is a perfect 5-0 in tour-level head-to-head battles with Dzumhur. He makes his 30th career semifinal. He’s won his last seven matches.

Also on Friday, fourth-seeded Miomir Kecmanovic advanced past 6th-seeded Jiri Lehecka in straights 7-5, 6-0. And Alex Molcan defeated topped Laslo Djere of Serbia in three sets 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.

Saturday’s slate of semifinals feature two first-time meetings with Rublev taking on Molcan and Kecmanovic draws Lajovic.

You Might Like:
Rublev Wins In Banja Luka, Djokovic Back Friday
Rublev Is On A Roll, Reaches Banja Luka Final Against Lajovic
Novak Djokovic, Andrey Rublev Headline New Banja Luka ATP Event
Lajovic Stuns Rublev For Banja Luka Title
Djokovic Goes 3 To Beat Van Assche In Banja Luka; Rublev Thurs.