ATP: Queens: Novak Djokovic in 800s club – Nick Kyrgios kicked out defending champion

The ATP tournament in Queens is entering the hot phase. Semifinalists include Australian Nick Kyrgios and Serb Novak Djokovic.

Once again Nick Kyrgios was strong but struggling on the grass in Queens. His opponent was no less than defending champion Feliciano Lopez, who is particularly convincing with his perfect serve and volley game.

Kyrgios played well throughout the tournament week, but this was not reflected in his meadows. Shaking heads after a won match or scolding after great winners was the order of the day.

That should not change against Lopez either: After the 7:6 (5) and 7:6 (3) match point, the 23-year-old did not look happy.

The match was a respectable and high-class one. With the better end for the “enfant terrible” and a bitter exit for the Spaniard on the other side.

Kyrgios will face Marin Cilic in the semi-final, who beat Sam Querrey 7-6 (3) and 6-2.

In the following match of Novak Djokovic against the witty Frenchman Adrian Mannarino the behaviour on the court looked completely different. Djokovic was focused, but were trailing at the start of the game.

The “Djoker”, who last served at the 2010 tournament in Queens, did not let himself be deterred by this and fought his way back with a break. Another loss of serve by Mannarino brought the ex-number-one the 7:5 set win.

In the second round Djokovic was clearly the stronger player and finally won 7:5 and 6:1. The shape of the Serb is clearly up. The list of favourites for the showdown in Wimbledon should definitely contain the name Novak Djokovic.

For Djokovic it was the 800th victory on the ATP Tour and another milestone in the career of the twelve-time major winner.