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Dusan Lajovic tries not to play his match against Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals in Banja Luka.
Djokovic could be in for a major upset if he fails to lift his game in a three-set tie against French qualifier Luca van Assche.
However, Lajovic is not getting ahead of himself as he is struck by the enormity of the task at hand.
He feels it is important to stand in another conflict with his famous opponent.
«I was more nervous than usual,» Lajovic said after passing France’s Gregoire Barre.
«At the beginning of the match, I analyzed a lot about what was happening and whether I could play against Novak (Djokovic) tomorrow… It was better when I just focused on the court and thought about what to do, every match requires something different. .
«I’ve been in good shape lately – confidence is hard to come by and easy to lose, so you have to embrace every moment.» It was increasing.
As Djokovic struggled to find his rhythm, Lajovic enjoyed a stunning purple plush on his way to a big win.
It was a career-high 24 straight points win streak over Barrere to this day.
«I don’t know if this happened to me.» Lajovic had 24 points in the win.
“I was able to do the right things in the second set. That’s what I planned from the beginning of the match. When he saw that there was no solution, he tried everything or nothing, and in these situations, because it was difficult to do that, he missed a lot.
Lajovic feels his chances against Djokovic will be slim, but he will give himself a better chance by staying calm.
“Obviously, a lot more people will be rooting for Nole at our match, but that’s nothing new. I hope I can enjoy the atmosphere,» commented Lajovic.
“It has helped me well in the past (and) it will be a big challenge. I try to relax. «
Djokovic has not lost to the Serbian in more than a decade since his last loss to compatriot Janko Tipsarevic at the 2012 Madrid Open.
The world number 1 is struggling with an elbow injury and has yet to find his best game on the Banja Luka clay.
