Australian Open 2019: 2 Key Takeaways from Djokovic vs Tsonga Match
Two young and upcoming players who had played the 2008 Australian Open final met in the second round of the same tournament after 11 years, this time in the second round. But since that epic battle, their paths have taken contrasting trajectories.
The Serbian has become world number one, stayed there for long periods, won 14 Grand Slams and is set to add a few more before he hangs up his boots. On the other hand, the popular French player has not been able to lay his hands on a single Grand Slam, and it seems unlikely he will have one.
Here are a couple of takeaways from their second match today.
#1 Novak can be better than most even on his off days
Though Djokovic won the match in straight sets, the match was far from a straightforward one. His performance was a tale of two halves. As he rightly pointed out in his post-match interview, he played well in the first set and a half, and there was a considerable dip afterwards.
It was his most trusted weapon, the two-handed backhand, which let him down. He was good with his serve for the most part and his forehands. Even his overhead smashes, possibly his weakest weapon were quite good. But time and again, his backhand misfired, though a highlight package may still show him making some breathtaking shots.
But it is to his credit that despite having a rare off day with his backhand, he managed to stave off the challenge from a determined Tsonga. He proved once again that he can be better than most top players even on days when he is not at his best.
This certainly is not good news for those who may face him later in the tournament, including a certain 19-year-old Canadian next-gen star who is slated to meet him next.
#2 Tsonga still has a lot to offer on the tennis court
Jo-Wilfred Tsonga has been struggling with injuries off late and that has resulted in a sharp drop in ranking. But on the evidence of today’s match, it is safe to say that if he manages to stay injury-free, he can yet be a force to reckon with.
He has had success against the top players, including the Big Three, in the past. And he has the big match temperament to not get overawed by them. He still has that ferocious forehand and a powerful serve.
His movement on the court was impressive. More than the breathtaking across-the-net forehand winner that he managed today, the fact that he managed to reach there in the first place, is proof enough of his athleticism. He was distinctly unlucky to meet Novak in the second round. He certainly has it in him to get back to the top ten by the end of the year.