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Dennis Novak upsets Lucas Pouille: Faces Raonic in 3rd rd.

By Keshav Gopalan

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 30: Lucas Pouille of France looks on during the mens singles second round match against Cameron Norrie of Great Britain during day four of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on May 30, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 30: Lucas Pouille of France looks on during the mens singles second round match against Cameron Norrie of Great Britain during day four of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on May 30, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) /
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Another seeded player has been knocked out of the main draw in Wimbledon. Austrian Qualifier Dennis Novak ousted the 17th seeded Pouille in a tough 5 setter, with the scoreline reading 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 3-6, 6-3.

The woes continue for Pouille, whose form has dropped massively since losing in the final to Dubai. He currently stands at a 6-9 win-loss since Dubai and failed to defend his Stuttgart title.

For Dennis Novak however, the dream run continues. After winning his first grand slam match, the Austrian now has reached his maiden 3rd round appearance, facing 13th seed Milos Raonic. Can he pull off another upset?

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Words of Praise, advice by Thiem

Dominic Thiem, who retired from his 1st round match in the 3rd set against Marcos Baghdatis, praised his compatriot on Instagram, saying “Congrats to Dennis Novak for an incredible win today!”

However, those weren’t the only words exchanged between the Austrian duo. According to tennisworldusa, when asked about Thiem, he said “We speak a lot and I think he’s played almost against everyone already. So I ask him for advice if he can tell me something about the players.”

“He just tells me he knows how good I can play, and he really believes in me, and that’s what makes me feel really good and comfortable.”

It seems to have worked, seeing that Novak was a point away from victory in the 3rd set tiebreaker on two occasions.

Can he do it again?

Novak now faces an in-form Milos Raonic. Raonic seems to be in great form, with a final in Stuttgart under his belt. However, it could be possible for his injury issues to resurface again. The Canadian Number 2 had to withdraw from his second match in Queens because of a right shoulder injury.

If he is in form, however, expect a straight sets victory.

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