Venue: RG – Court Philippe-Chatrier Date and Time: Wednesday, 31 July 2024, 12:00 Paris Time
Chair Umpire: Alison Hughes (GBR)
Men’s Singles Third Round
Final Score:
- Novak Djokovic (SRB): 7-6
- Dominik Koepfer (GER): 5-3
Match Duration: 1 hour and 37 minutes
- 1st Set: 55 minutes
- 2nd Set: 42 minutes
1st Set:
From the start, Djokovic and Koepfer exchanged powerful serves and precise shots. The first set was a demonstration of their impressive serving skills, with both players delivering four aces each. Djokovic maintained a solid first serve percentage, winning 55% of his points on serve, while Koepfer’s first serve success rate was slightly higher at 68%.
Despite Djokovic’s superior second serve performance—he won all his second serve points—Koepfer was not far behind, with an impressive 91% on his second serves. Djokovic ultimately managed to secure the set with a 7-5 scoreline, thanks to his ability to convert two of his three break points and capitalize on Koepfer’s 12 forced errors.
Djokovic’s consistent performance was marked by 36 total points won, compared to Koepfer’s 31. Djokovic’s efficiency at the net was evident, winning 86% of his net points, while Koepfer won 57%. The set saw Djokovic’s strategy of minimizing unforced errors—11 compared to Koepfer’s 13—play a crucial role in his success.
2nd Set:
The second set saw Djokovic elevate his game even further. His first serve percentage soared to 88%, and he won all his second serve points, while Koepfer struggled with a 57% success rate on his first serves and won only 89% of his second serves. Djokovic’s dominance was clear, as he won 25 points to Koepfer’s 13.
Djokovic’s ability to convert break points was flawless, taking advantage of all his opportunities. The set was marked by Djokovic’s impressive defensive play and strategic shot placement, leading him to win all five of his net points, while Koepfer did not win any.
The set highlighted Djokovic’s refined game, as he maintained his focus, minimized unforced errors, and capitalized on Koepfer’s mistakes. Djokovic’s performance in the second set was a testament to his exceptional skills and adaptability on the court, securing the set 6-3 and the match with a display of controlled aggression and tactical brilliance.
Total Match Statistics
| Statistic | Novak Djokovic (SRB) | Dominik Koepfer (GER) |
| Total aces | 5 | 7 |
| Double faults | 0 | 2 |
| Service winners | 23 | 23 |
| 1st serve | 36/56 (64%) | 39/59 (66%) |
| Aces on 1st serve | 5 | 7 |
| Points won on 1st serve | 31 | 27 |
| 2nd serve | 20/20 (100%) | 18/20 (90%) |
| Points won on 2nd serve | 11 | 8 |
| Total points won | 66 | 49 |
| Receiving points won | 24/59 (41%) | 14/56 (25%) |
| Break point conversions | 3/4 (75%) | 1/2 (50%) |
| Forehand winners | 7 | 7 |
| Backhand winners | 7 | 5 |
| Forced errors | 11 | 20 |
| Unforced errors | 15 | 23 |
| Net points won | 13/14 (93%) | – |
Match Summary
On the historic Court Philippe-Chatrier, Novak Djokovic faced Dominik Koepfer in a gripping third-round match of the Paris Olympics 2024 men’s singles tennis event. Under the watchful eye of chair umpire Alison Hughes, Djokovic showcased his resilience and tactical prowess, securing a victory in straight sets.
The first set was fiercely contested, with both players displaying powerful serves and agile returns. Djokovic and Koepfer each fired four aces, but it was Djokovic’s superior break point conversion rate and consistency in second serves that clinched the set 7-5.
The second set saw Djokovic elevate his game, maintaining an impressive 88% first serve success rate and winning all his second serve points. Despite Koepfer’s efforts, Djokovic’s precision and control led him to a 6-3 win, sealing the match in 1 hour and 37 minutes.
This win not only demonstrated Djokovic’s strategic mastery but also underscored his relentless pursuit of Olympic glory, as he continues to advance in the tournament with eyes set firmly on the gold.
