Google News Novak Djokovic reacts to destroying Cristian Garin at Astana Open + match highlights
by DZEVAD MESIC
Novak Djokovic felt he played "great" throughout the entire match versus Cristian Garin. On Wednesday, Djokovic kicked off his debut at the Astana Open with a dominant 6-1 6-1 victory over Cristian Garin. Djokovic broke Garin three times in the first set and twice in the second set, all while not facing a single break point.
“From the start to the end, [it was] a great performance,” Djokovic said after ousting Garin, per the ATP website. "Playing in a new tournament, different conditions, the first match is never easy. Obviously you are looking to see how you are going to adapt, but I did it perfectly, really, played as well as I can.
I just made him work and used every opportunity that was presented to me”.
Djokovic-Garin highlights
Meanwhile, Djokovic is aiming to win titles in back-to-back weeks. Last week, 35-year-old Djokovic competed at the inaugural Tel Aviv Open, where he defeated Marin Cilic in the final for his third title of the year.
After winning it all in Israel, Djokovic flew to Kazakhstan for this week's Astana Open. In his first match at the tournament, Djokovic looked sharp and absolutely crushed Garin. “I was lucky that throughout my career I was actually pretty quick in adjusting to different conditions and surfaces," Djokovic added.
"But I think that experience helps of knowing what to do. But [also] winning a tournament, [as opposed to] losing in a final or semis, makes a difference mentally. Coming into this tournament I feel confident, I feel excited, I feel motivated, so I think that helps as well to adjust quickly”.
In the Astana Open round-of-16, Djokovic will play Botic van de Zandschulp. Djokovic and van de Zandschulp will be going head-to-head for the first time in their respective careers when they meet at the Astana Open.