“He was just playing out of his mind”
Djokovic took the first set 6-2 before the Australian turned the match around. “Disappointment, obviously, losing a match that I felt like I dominated in the first set and a couple of games,” he said. “But then he was on. I wasn’t delivering either and then he was just playing out of his mind, honest. He didn’t miss, he kept the ball low. Just a great performance.”
“Unfortunately, I didn’t take advantage of the opportunities in the third, but I think he was a worthy winner,” he added. “Nobody likes to lose, but it’s just another match.”
“He was really effective from every angle. It’s the fastest surface we’ve had on tour this year,” added Djokovic. “For players like him, who play quite flat and close to the line, it suits him very well. So I congratulate him. He played some really great tennis and I was guilty of letting him take control of the game.
“Not the newest” and now “just relax”
Djokovic was medically timed out against Vacherot due to a shoulder problem. When asked about his back on Wednesday, he refused to use his physical condition as an explanation. “Not the freshest, but that’s no excuse for today’s loss,” he said.
Answering the question about the coming weeks, he said briefly. “Just relax. I’m looking forward to it.” Holidays? “Yes.” Hijikata will face Thomas Martin Etchvery, who beat eighth seed Alex de Minaur in the round of 16.
