Matteo Berrettini is the hammer: Novak Djokovic praises quarterfinal opponent

The World no.1 Novak Djokovic has taken one more step closer to history as he won his fourth Round match against Jason Brooksby at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday night. Djokovic lost the opening set by 6-1 against the 20-year old American but bounced back in style to clinch the match by 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

Meanwhile, Djokovic heaped praise on his next quarterfinal opponent – Matteo Berrettini. The Serbian added that the Italian has a huge serve and forehand and it is not going to be easy for him to go past him. Djokovic had beaten Berrettini in the final of the Wimbledon two months ago and he will look to repeat his success.

World no.1 likened Berrettini with Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina, who is known for clean striking.

“[He’s the] hammer of tennis. Next to [Juan Martin] del Potro, probably the hardest hitter of serve and forehand,” Djokovic said. He’s got the lethal serve-plus-one game. He’s already established as a top player. “Without a doubt, he played a… semi-final here a couple of years ago, final in Wimbledon. That was a tough four-setter. If he serves well, which is his biggest weapon, he’s tough. He’s tough on any surface to play against.

“I’ve had some really close matches with him at Roland Garros and Wimbledon recently. We’re going to play the third Grand Slam in a row against each other. Hopefully, the result will be the same as the previous two.”

Meanwhile, Berrettini hasn’t found success in the last three matches against Djokovic but has won a set against the Serbian in the last two meetings. There is no doubt that the Italian will need to be at the top of his game to beat Djokovic whereas World no.1 will aim to continue his good show and enter the semifinals.