Roberto Bautista Agut outlasts Novak Djokovic at Qatar Open
By Harry Floyd
Roberto Bautista Agut outlasts Novak Djokovic at the 2019 Qatar Open. The win advances him into the finals for a shot at the title.
Roberto Bautista Agut had just one career ATP singles win over Novak Djokovic heading into their meeting at the 2019 Qatar Open. Undoubtedly, Djokovic entered their matchup as the heavy favorite. This was not just because of their career head-to-head, but also because the world number one is coming right off of yet another fantastic year on tour.
Last year, Djokovic took titles at both Wimbledon and the US Open before also reaching the finals in London. He fell to rising star Alexander Zverev at the ATP Finals.
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The Serbian great then kicked off his warmup to the 2019 ATP Tour with a title-win at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. He defeats South African great Kevin Anderson in the finals at the exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.
Bautista Agut digs deep and manages to fend off the world number one. What a match it was. Bautista Agut wins the semifinals three-set epic match, going 3-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.
Take a look at some of the rallies between Bautista Agut and Djokovic in Doha.
The Spanish tennis star comes away with yet another strong performance at the Qatar Open. Prior to his match with Djokovic, he knocked out Swiss great Stan Wawrinka in the quarterfinals. Bautista Agut took their match in straight sets, going 6-4 6-4 over Stan the Man.
Missing the finals in Doha, Djokovic loses a chance at a third career singles title at the tournament. He took back to back titles in 2016 and 2017. Last year, French tennis veteran Gael Monfils claimed the title. Bautista Agut awaits the winner of Tomas Berdych and Marco Cecchinato. One must consider the Spanish tennis star a slight favorite in the finals. He has plenty of momentum right now and also has the experience needed to back it up in Doha.
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As we await the winner of the other semifinals matchup at the Qatar Open, Novak Djokovic has his eyes set on another prize ahead. The Australian Open is rapidly approaching. He, along with Danish tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, are OUR FAVORITES to take titles in men’s and women’s singles at Melbourne Park.