Novak Djokovic’s quest for a second US Open title is still very much alive after defeating Roberto Bautista Agut in the fourth round on Sunday. The 2011 champion will look to seal a spot in the semifinals this coming Tuesday when he takes on the tournament’s surprise package Feliciano Lopez.
Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this quarterfinal clash and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the last-eight match between Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Marin Cilic.
Novak Djokovic stormed into the quarterfinals of the US Open in Arthur Ashe Stadium with an entertaining 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Roberto Bautista Agut. It was a battling performance from the nine-time Grand Slam champion, who needed three hours and three minutes to oust the Spaniard.
[sc:Other240banner ]Djokovic, who improved to 3-0 against Bautista Agut, blasted 42 winners and won 69 percent of his first serve points. What proved to be the difference in the match, though, was his return. Djokovic won 45 percent of his receiving points against Bautista Agut, with the world No. 1 converting seven of his 14 break point opportunities.
Next up for Djokovic is a quarterfinal clash with Feliciano Lopez. The 28-year-old has fared extremely well against Lopez in the past, winning all of their five previous matches. Djokovic eased past Lopez in their last meeting at the Shanghai Masters back in 2012, trouncing him in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. This will be their first meeting, though, here in the US Open.
Feliciano Lopez booked a place in the quarterfinals of the 2015 US Open with a one-sided 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-1 win over Fabio Fognini on Sunday. It was a brilliant showing from Lopez, who needed just one hour and 50 minutes to eliminate the gutsy Italian.
With the victory, Lopez is through to the last eight of the US Open for the first time in his career. He will face his toughest test, though, in the quarterfinals, as he is now set to square off with the great Novak Djokovic. The Serbian star has been on a tear in Grand Slam tournaments this year, though; Djokovic has won 24 of his 25 Grand Slam matches this season.
For Lopez to record a major shock in the next round, the Spaniard needs to dominate with his service game. Lopez’s serve was solid against Fognini as he converted 59 percent of his first serves. Lopez took full advantage of that fact, winning 40 of his 49 first serve points for an incredible 84 percent clip.
Lopez also needs to limit his miscues if he is to upset the mighty Djokovic. He committed 25 unforced errors in that straight-sets win against Fognini. That simply won’t do against a world-class player like Djokovic, who is gunning for his 10th Grand Slam title here in New York.
