Indian Wells: Djokovic’s Shocking Defeat to Isner Will Test the Great Champion

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: March 17, 2012

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John Isner’s stunning 7-6, 3-6, 7-6 victory over Novak Djokovic has even upstaged Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on a semi-final Saturday at Indian Wells.

It was an opening act that both reinforced and foreshadowed some interesting tennis themes as 2012 roars into Spring.

Djokovic was the first to credit Isner during his post-match comments. He discussed Isner’s talent and improving belief, while reassuring the press that he is playing well and will be ready for Miami.

Isner’s giant win may not shake up the rankings, but it could be a break in the clouds for men’s tennis.

 




The After-Effects of Sipping Champagne

Djokovic’s gruelling win over Nadal at the 2012 Australian Open was an impossible performance to follow. It is extremely difficult for a champion to maintain a similar level of intensity, and often a brief letdown of mental fatigue or desire can follow.

The first set against Isner was a prime example: Djokovic quickly broke Isner, but more or less put his performance on auto-pilot.

He lacked fire, even as Isner began to harness his own confidence into some impressive serving and powerful shots.

Djokovic’s questionable concentration was underscored at 5-4 and facing break point. He chose to stop play and challenge an Isner return that clipped his baseline. He lost the review, the point, the game and ultimately the set.

More importantly, Isner’s power was beginning to bother Djokovic, and the pressure of his serve kept the champion at bay.

Even as Djokovic rallied with more energy and purpose to win the second set, Isner had already squeezed the match to a final set, backed by serves topping 140, impressive ground strokes and some astonishing approach shots and volleys.

Djokovic played solid tennis, but was too often forced to throw up defensive lobs against the...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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