DOHA: Novak Djokovic eased through to the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open on Wednesday and was then shocked by opponent Horacio Zeballos who took a selfie of the pair on court.
The world No.2 won his second round match 6-3, 6-4 in just 72 minutes in Doha, thanks to a break of the Argentinian’s serve in each set.
But after the pair shook hands, Djokovic was taken by surprise.
“Making a selfie, that’s the first time I have had this experience in my career,” said the Serb. “Horacio — well done, very original.”
Djokovic is the defending champion in Doha and this year’s No.2 seed.
Rival, and No.1 seed, Andy Murray is due on court later on Wednesday.
If the tournament goes to form, the pair will meet in their first clash of the season on Jan. 7.
Djokovic next plays 38-year-old Radek Stepanek after the Czech knocked out Belgium’s Arthur De Greef, 14 years his junior, 6-3, 6-2.
Stepanek is a former Wimbledon quarterfinalist who turned professional in 1996, just four years after De Greef was born.
His victory means he is the oldest ATP quarterfinalist since 42-year-old Jimmy Connors played in the 1995 Halle grass court event in Germany.
Earlier Wednesday, Belgian fourth seed David Goffin, who beat Murray in an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi last week, lost 6-1, 7-6 (8/6) to Spain’s Fernando Verdasco.
Wawrinka moves into quarters
Reigning US Open champion Stan Wawrinka was in impressive form as he saw off Serbia’s Viktor Troicki in straight sets to move into the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International Wednesday.
In a high quality match, the Swiss world No.4 took just under 90 minutes to defeat Troicki 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.
Wawrinka, 31, has traditionally played in Chennai at this time of year but said he wanted to change his Australian Open preparations.
Earlier, a rusty Kei Nishikori survived a scare from qualifier Jared Donaldson.
The third seeded Japanese lost the first set to the American, ranked 105, but recovered to take the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in two hours, 25 minutes.
Nishikori, who had a first round bye, looked out of sorts as he let early leads slip in the first two sets.
But once he got in front in the third he was able to keep control and book a last-eight place against Australian wildcard Jordan Thompson, who stunned eighth seed David Ferrer of Spain.
“Actually, I had a great start today until four-love, and then I had one bad game,” Nishikori said.
“After that he started playing much better. He started playing more aggressive, and his forehand was on fire today.
“It was really close. Even the second set it was really close. He had many chances to win the set and win the match.”
Thompson reached an ATP quarterfinal for the first time when he beat Ferrer 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 to the delight of the big crowd at Pat Rafter Arena.
He said he wasn’t daunted at the prospect of playing Nishikori.
“I think you’ve got to give yourself a chance no matter who you play,” he said.
“Otherwise there’s no point in taking the court.”
The world No.2 won his second round match 6-3, 6-4 in just 72 minutes in Doha, thanks to a break of the Argentinian’s serve in each set.
But after the pair shook hands, Djokovic was taken by surprise.
“Making a selfie, that’s the first time I have had this experience in my career,” said the Serb. “Horacio — well done, very original.”
Djokovic is the defending champion in Doha and this year’s No.2 seed.
Rival, and No.1 seed, Andy Murray is due on court later on Wednesday.
If the tournament goes to form, the pair will meet in their first clash of the season on Jan. 7.
Djokovic next plays 38-year-old Radek Stepanek after the Czech knocked out Belgium’s Arthur De Greef, 14 years his junior, 6-3, 6-2.
Stepanek is a former Wimbledon quarterfinalist who turned professional in 1996, just four years after De Greef was born.
His victory means he is the oldest ATP quarterfinalist since 42-year-old Jimmy Connors played in the 1995 Halle grass court event in Germany.
Earlier Wednesday, Belgian fourth seed David Goffin, who beat Murray in an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi last week, lost 6-1, 7-6 (8/6) to Spain’s Fernando Verdasco.
Wawrinka moves into quarters
Reigning US Open champion Stan Wawrinka was in impressive form as he saw off Serbia’s Viktor Troicki in straight sets to move into the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International Wednesday.
In a high quality match, the Swiss world No.4 took just under 90 minutes to defeat Troicki 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.
Wawrinka, 31, has traditionally played in Chennai at this time of year but said he wanted to change his Australian Open preparations.
Earlier, a rusty Kei Nishikori survived a scare from qualifier Jared Donaldson.
The third seeded Japanese lost the first set to the American, ranked 105, but recovered to take the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in two hours, 25 minutes.
Nishikori, who had a first round bye, looked out of sorts as he let early leads slip in the first two sets.
But once he got in front in the third he was able to keep control and book a last-eight place against Australian wildcard Jordan Thompson, who stunned eighth seed David Ferrer of Spain.
“Actually, I had a great start today until four-love, and then I had one bad game,” Nishikori said.
“After that he started playing much better. He started playing more aggressive, and his forehand was on fire today.
“It was really close. Even the second set it was really close. He had many chances to win the set and win the match.”
Thompson reached an ATP quarterfinal for the first time when he beat Ferrer 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 to the delight of the big crowd at Pat Rafter Arena.
He said he wasn’t daunted at the prospect of playing Nishikori.
“I think you’ve got to give yourself a chance no matter who you play,” he said.
“Otherwise there’s no point in taking the court.”
