Here's what Djokovic said post win over del Potro
What's the story
Reigning world number one Novak Djokovic came up with a hard-fought performance to tame seventh seed, Juan Martin Del Potro, in the quarters of the Rome Open on Friday.
Following the game, Djokovic revealed that he never lost faith as he knew that a break of serve would be enough for him to see through to the semis.
Here's more about it.
The match
Djokovic overcomes del Potro challenge to cruise to semis
Djokovic was off to a steady start in the match as he broke in the first set to win 6-4.
The second set entered tie-breaker, as del Potro's powerful serves got the better of Djokovic and he won back 8-6.
The third set saw another battle between the two, only for Djokovic to get the break to seal the match with another 6-4 win.
Quote
I'm just really pleased to overcome: Djokovic
"[He] missed a couple crucial points in the tie-break. Also break point third set, quite easy forehand. That's what happens. That's sport. I'm just really pleased to overcome," Djokovic was quoted as saying following the hard-fought win.
Tough fightback
Djokovic credits del Potro's tough fightback
Prior to the match, del Potro had lost seven of his last eight meetings against Djokovic.
However, he failed to give up as he gained momentum towards the end of the opening set and then capitalized in the second set.
"I lost probably the positioning of the court over him. He was playing really well, gave me a lot of trouble," Djokovic credited him.
Drop shots
Djokovic relied on drop shots to survive against del Potro
As the match progressed, both the players started to show immense intensity.
Meanwhile, Djokovic came up with the tactic of drop shots to prevent himself from the baseline rallies.
As a result, del Potro fell just short when he hit the net with a sitting forehand in the final set, handing Djokovic the break, who eventually held his serve to seal the win.
What's next?
Djokovic eyes Schwartzman rout in semis
Now that del Potro threat has subsided, Djokovic would eye a convincing win over unseeded Argentine Diego Schwartzman in the semis on Saturday.
Although a semi-finalist cannot be taken lightly, Djokovic enjoys a 2-0 lead over him, which should allow him easy progress to the final.
Also, the win would help him enter his second consecutive Masters final.