Friday 21 August 2015 08:40, UK
Novak Djokovic was handed a significant scare by David Goffin before reeling off six straight games in the deciding set to win their Cincinnati Masters third-round tie.
Goffin looked on the verge of a shock win when he pulled three games clear in the third set but it wasn't to be, as Djokovic fought back to seal a 6-4 2-6 6-3 win and a quarter-final against Stan Wawrinka.
He remains on course to be the first player to sweep all nine different ATP Masters 1000 titles in his career.
The world No 1 had never previously dropped a set, much less lost a match, to his 14th ranked opponent in three previous meetings and after the first set it appeared that streak would continue.
Goffin put up a stern challenge in the opener but when Djokovic persevered there was little to suggest the dramatic change in fortune that was right around the corner.
The Belgian, taking advantage of Djokovic's lax resumption after the first set, registered an early break. A racquet smash from Djokovic demonstrated his frustration to the surprise loss of a service game as well as his underlying winning mentality.
Yet he failed to return to his imperious best and Goffin, sensing blood against his esteemed foe, broke for a second time to go 5-2 ahead before serving the set out in just 31 minutes.
Remarkably after returning for the deciding set, the next time Djokovic would have a break in his court-side seat he would be trailing 3-0.
Goffin, picking up where he left off, improbably broke in the first game of the third set and repeated the trick as Djokovic continuously failed to find any rhythm with his service games.
Mustering his championship spirit Djokovic forced himself onto the scoreboard with a break of Goffin's serve, before holding himself. A critical point swayed Djokovic's way as he trailed 3-2 – the Serbian stretched in trademark style to keep a thrilling rally alive before profiting from a wayward Goffin shot.
Djokovic held serve again for his fourth consecutive game to edge 4-3 ahead. He broke for the third straight time with a measured forehand winner that arrowed into the corner and confirmed a quarter-final berth moments later.
You can tune in to watch the Cincinnati Masters on Sky Sports all this week.
Non-subscribers can also watch without a contract through online streaming service NOW TV.
By purchasing a Sky Sports Day Pass for £6.99 or Sky Sports Week Pass for £10.99, you can enjoy access to all seven Sky Sports channels and watch on a TV with a NOW TV Box or on a range of devices.
