Novak Djokovic has already reached the ATP 500 quarter-finals in Vienna, after defeating Borna Coric 7-6 (11) and 6-3 in 2h: 08, Round that will play on Friday against the winner of the Hubert Hurkacz-Lorenzo Sonego.
The Serbian virtually assured to finish the year as number one for the sixth time, which will match him with Pete Sampras. According to the official calculations published by the ATP today, only si Rafa Nadal will join the ATP 250 in Sofia (November 8-14), something that is not in his plans, the Spaniard would still have a chance to fight for the title. The two will face off at the ATP Finals, the Masters that kicks off in London on November 15.
Djokovic suffered a lot in the first set. Partly because of his lack of punch and partly because Coric was so brave. The Croatian had three break balls that he did not take advantage of and another three from set in the tremendous tie-break that was resolved after 24 points. He forgave the wolf of Belgrade so much that he ended up with a bite.
In the second, the number one achieved a break for 2-1 and no longer released the prey. Sharper, he ended up feeling better than he started and with another final break.
The young (19 years old) Jannik Sinner (7-6 and 6-3 to Casper Ruud) went to the second round, where he will face Andrey Rublev, one of the fittest players this year. Tsitsipas beat Struff 6-7 (3), 6-4 and 6-4 and Pospisil with Auger-Aliassime (double 7-5).