November 23, 2024
Sports

Novak Djokovic lost his focus during shock Qatar Open semi-final defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut

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Novak Djokovic cut a frustrated figure after his Qatar Open semi-final defeat (Picture: Getty)

Novak Djokovic admits he lost his focus during his shock Qatar Open semi-final defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut.

The world number one suffered a 3-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 loss to Spaniard Bautista Agut in two hours and 35 minutes.

The defeat is Djokovics first in 2019 and means Bautista Agut will face either Tomas Berdych or Marco Cecchinato in Saturdays final.

What happened? I lost the match. Thats it, a frustrated Djokovic said in his post-match press conference.

More: Tennis

I thought I was pretty much in control of the match, set and a break, serving 4-3.

He played a good game. I missed some easy balls and thats what you get as a result of losing the focus in the most important moments and it happens, it happens.

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The defeat will undoubtedly raise concerns over Djokovics fitness ahead of the Australian Open, which starts on 14 January.

Djokovic played two matches every day in Doha prior to his defeat on Friday afternoon, spending close to ten hours on court.

Djokovic was beaten by Roberto Bautista Agut (Picture: Getty)
The Spaniard has progressed to Saturdays final (Picture: Getty)

Asked about his workload, Djokovic said: I wasnt the freshest, you know.

This is what I was looking forward to, to get from this tournament, as many matches as possible, to get ready for the Australian Open, so Im very pleased.

Obviously, Im not pleased that I lost the match today, but I lost to a better player in the end.

Bautista Agut, meanwhile, who clinched his second victory over Djokovic in nine matches, said: I will remember this match for [the rest] of my life.

I cant be more happy than I am right now.

More: Tennis

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