Novak Djokovic beat Hubert Hurkacz 7-6 (7/1), 4-6, 6-1 during the 5th day of the ATP Masters on Thursday in Turin (Italy), but the world No.1 and defending champion is not not guaranteed to participate in the semi-finals on Saturday.
By losing the second round against the Pole who replaced the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, injured in his back, the Serb offered the Italian Jannik Sinner his qualification for the last four, even before the latter played his last group match.
If Sinner loses against the Dane Holger Rune on Thursday evening (9:00 p.m.), Djokovic, who lost his duel on Tuesday against the Italian, will be eliminated.
Djokovic, 36, experienced a slump in the 2nd set which could cost him dearly.
He lost the fifth game on his serve to allow Hurkacz to lead 3-2, then 4-2 with thirteen points in a row for the Pole.
“He is a player that I really like off the court, but he often causes me problems with his serve,” said “Djoko” after his victory.
“I did what I had to do, we’ll see what happens and whether or not I play in the semi-finals,” he added.
“My kids are coming tonight, I’m going to spend some time with them. Not sure I’m watching the match,” continued the Serb.
Djokovic, assured of finishing the year in first place in the world rankings for the eighth time in his career, is aiming for a seventh coronation in the “Masters tournament”.
He co-holds the record for victories (6) in the event with the Swiss Roger Federer.
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