Chung loses to Djokovic at Australian Open
.jpg?w=728)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia, right, shakes hands with Chung Hyeon of Korea after winning their first round match at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, Monday. / AP-Yonhap
By Nam Hyun-woo
Korea’s tennis star Chung Hyeon was defeated 0-3 by the World’s No. 1 ranked Novak Djokovic after a hard fought match in the first round of the Australian Open, Monday.
At Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, the Serbian showed his mastery of the tennis court after beating the 19-year-old 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
"It was a great honor to play with Novak," Chung told AFP. "He's No.1 in the world. He's my idol. It was a good experience to play with him," Chung said.
"I'm was just trying to fight for every point, because it's too tough to win a game. Great experience. Great test to start the season."
Chung Hyeon makes a backhand return to Novak Djokovic during their first round match at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, Monday. / AP-Yonhap
"It's an absolute pleasure to come back to Rod Laver Arena, I’ve had good success over my career here and have many memorable moments in the matches I've played here," Djokovic told AFP. "Chung is only 19, he's tall and he plays well from the back of the court and he has a big future."
Chung, ranked at a career-high No. 51, and was voted by his ATP World Tour peers as last year’s most improved player, fought hard in his match with Djokovic, but was outperformed by the 10-time Grand Slam champion who was peerless on the court.
Numbers show that Djokovic dominated the match. During the 115-minute match, Djokovic posted 10 aces, while Chung only hit five. In the number of winners ― a shot that is not reached by the opponent and wins the point ― Djokovic notched up 40 winners, while Chung had 16. Also, Djokovic was strong in the break, winning five break points, while Chung won only one. Djokovic was perfect in net play, being successful in all of his 15 attempts while Chung won five out of his 10 attempts.
Chung is the first Korean tennis player to play against a world No. 1 ranked player since Lee Hyung-taik faced Roger Federer in April 2007.
In the first set, the two claimed two games apiece and the first to break a game was Djokovic in game 6. The two were engaged in net play, sharing drop shots, but Djokovic was more experienced, placing the ball out of Chung’s reach.
As Chung won a return-out, he made a fresh start with 30-0 on a Djokovic’s service game. Djokovic fought back with a smash, but conceded two consecutive points, allowing Chung to break the game. Chung did not bow down in the next game, though, having Djokovic concede two consecutive points and break the game.
In game 8, Chung displayed a splendid down the line forehand stroke, which froze Djokovic and raised applause from him. However, Chung committed mistakes in returning a seemingly easy stroke, allowing a service break by Djokovic.
And Djokovic did not let lose his rein on the match in game 9, showing the perfect combination of recovery and a drop shot to win the set.
The Serbian was even more flawless in the second set, showcasing a mix of timely lobs, wide strokes creating deep angles and brutal serves to claim four consecutive games, going 4-0. Meanwhile, Chung was suffering with his forehand stroke.
In game 5 of the second set, Chung recovered the speed of his serve and managed to clinch the game. Djokovic’s fastest serve was 198 kilometers per hour, while Chung’s was 199 kilometers per hour.
However, the experienced Djokovic did not panic and won the set, while Chung was trapped by consecutive unforced errors. Chung recorded 29 unforced errors during the match.
In the third set, Chung fought hard to claim four games, but was not able to overcome the solid Djokovic, who saved his sets and held onto the lead that he took after breaking Chung’s service in game 1.
By being eliminated in the first round, Chung received some $20,000. He will return home after competing in a doubles match.
The highest ranked player Chung met before Djokovic was Stan Wawrinka, who was ranked No. 5 at the time. At the second round match of the U.S. Open last year, Chung was defeated 0-3 after a hard fight contest, holding onto tie breaks in every set.