Djokovic Crashes Out Of Wimbledon 2008
Marat Safin is through to the third round of Wimbledon 2008 after he sent third seed Novak Djokovic packing. The Russian showed his experience with a 6-4 7-6 6-2 win over the Serb.
This might be the comeback tournament for Safin- he is currently ranked 75th in the world but back in 2005 he was a world number one, an Australian Open champion and a US Open Champion- but has not won a title since then.
It was a shameful defeat for Djokovic, who was a firm favourite to win Wimbledon 2008 after Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The 21-year-old made it to the semifinals of Wimbledon last year, but could not make it through this years second round.
Safin feels that this win came at just the righ time, “I’ve been lacking confidence but to beat Djokovic on Centre Court is a great win,” said Safin who has a lousy 2008, only twice winning back-to-back matches before Wimbledon.
“I haven’t had a win like this for a long time. I had to play really well and concentrate and be with him game by game and just go for it.
“But he was under pressure. He’s fighting for the number one spot by the end of the year while nothing was expected of me.
“I didn’t look at the draw after Djokovic but the way I’m playing I think I can go far.”
When Djokovic and Safin met in the Australian Open in 2005, Safin beat the Serb, who admitted back then, he has given Safin to much respect. Well, it seems respect was due to him.
“It was a very bad day for me. I didn’t do anything I was supposed to do. I made too many mistakes and had no momentum,” said the 21-year-old who was runner-up to Nadal at Queen’s two weeks ago.
“I didn’t expect to lose in straight sets. But he’s a tough opponent especially on Centre Court. He’s a big talent but unpredictable.
“He’s a great player. He was one of my idols when I was a junior. I have a lot of respect for him and maybe that played a role today.” Read the rest of this entry »
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