Djokovic all but clinches year-end No. 1 with hard-fought win v. Coric

For the second straight day, Novak Djokovic fended off multiple set points on his way to victory in Vienna. On Wednesday, opposite Borna Coric, the top seed faced four set points in the opening set before prevailing, 7-6 (11), 6-3.

“It was very tiring and very challenging," Djokovic said after the match. "Obviously Borna is a great fighter. He’s a very good friend of mine. Off the court we’ve known each other for quite a long time. He has kind of a similar style of tennis as I do.

“From the backhand corner [he’s] very solid [and he is] trying to create points with his forehand. He was serving very well, especially in the first set. It was very difficult for me to return his serve.”

With the win, Djokovic will finish the year as the No. 1 player for the sixth time in his career, unless Rafael Nadal opts to play Sofia in November—among many other results that would need to go the Spaniard's way thereafter.

Against Djokovic, Coric knew he had to play some of his best tennis, and he did just that. Through the entirety of the first set, he was great from the ground, taking command of many rallies and surrendering just nine points on his serve. But Djokovic remained composed, waiting patiently for a chance to strike. That opportunity came in the tiebreak at 11-11, after saving four set points, when Coric made a backhand error, and Djokovic was able to consolidate and take the set after an hour and 15 minutes.

”The tie-break again, like yesterday against Krajinovic, decided the match, I guess," Djokovic said. I read his passing shot at 5/6 in the tie-break. He had quite an easy backhand. I read him, I made a short forehand volley. These kinds of things happen and I’m just really glad to stay focussed and play my best at the right time.”

With the first set finally in his pocket, Djokovic fastened his jaws into the match and never let go. He was now the one dictating play with his signature court-positioning, taking time away from Coric. He earned his first break in the third game when the 23-year-old double-faulted for the first time all match. From there on, there was no turning back for Djokovic, who pulled away to close out the match after two hours and seven minutes.

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Djokovic, who extended his head-to-head record against Coric to 4-0, is now 39-2 on the season.

Coric should not be discouraged as he played a good match against the 17-time Grand Slam champion. He fought tooth and nail but today, it was all Djokovic when it counted the most.

For a spot in the semifinals, Djokovic will face the winner of the Lorenzo Sonego and Hubert Hurkacz match. He is 2-0 against Hurkacz and has yet to face Sonego.