Novak Djokovic reveals why Grigor Dimitrov win at Queen’s was so important
NOVAK DJOKOVIC hailed his win over Grigor Dimitrov as “important” as he continues to impress ahead of Wimbledon.
Djokovic was in top form as he beat No 2 seed Dimitrov 6-4, 6-1 to progress to the quarter-finals at Queen’s.
The Serbian had struggled for form this year until the French Open, where he was knocked out of the quarter-finals.
Djokovic has had little competition against the top players since his return from an elbow injury which required surgery.
So he was glad to be able to test his recovery against the world No 5 – a test he passed with flying colours.
“It was an important match for me today for various reasons,” Djokovic said.
This was a great test playing against one of the top players of the world, a player that I guess prefers this surface the most
“Obviously I didn't win too many big matches in the last 12 months.
“I'm still kind of finding my form.
“This was a great test playing against one of the top players of the world, a player that I guess prefers this surface the most.
“It was just a great challenge that I was looking forward to. I was very focused.
“I was very determined to play my best, especially after a great performance in the first round and managed to deliver.”
Djokovic was even able to pinpoint the moment he knew he had Dimitrov on the ropes.
“I broke the resistance in that 10th game of the first set,” he added.
“He made a couple of crucial double faults that obviously allowed me to get ahead, but I thought I was just making him play always in big moments and served well when I needed to.
“So it was a very good performance.”