Indian Wells: Philipp Kohlschreiber in the record books after defeating Djokovic
Philipp Kohlschreiber has twice entered the "oldest" record lists of the ATP in his 6: 4, 6: 4 victory over Novak Djokovic.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Mar 13, 2019, 09:42 am
It could still have turned over: Kohlschreiber led 6: 4, 5: 2 (double break!) Against the world's number 1 - and then got his service off. In the end, however, he served with only one point loss, even if the Hawk-Eye had to run again .
The greatest victory in Kohlschreiber's career? However - if "only" in round three. "Unfortunately, the tournament is not over yet," said Kohli afterwards , "I have to come back tomorrow with a good attitude."
Kohlschreiber then meets Gael Monfils, who has won 13 of the 15 duels between them so far.
But the German veteran wanted to celebrate first. "Today I want to take the moment with me and celebrate with my coach. It is a very special victory," said the 35-year-old, who also admitted that Djokovic had not had his best day.
First win against a number 1
In particular, "Kohli's" victory was definitely, and in many ways. He had never won against an incumbent number 1 in the world before, the closest he was in Dubai two years ago when he had seven (!) Match balls against Andy Murray but didn't use any.
At 35, Kohlschreiber is the oldest player to win against the world's number 1 for the first time. In addition, he is the third oldest player after Roger Federer (2017 against Nadal) and Ivo Karlovic (2015 against Djokovic), who won against an incumbent number 1.
The ATP also pulled out another statistic: Kohlschreiber's victory over Djokovic was his 25th triumph against a member of the top ten. The first? Over 15 years ago against Rainer Schüttler in Dubai.