The match in the Caja Mágica between Novak Djokovic and Feliciano López was so good, that despite the Toledo native being knocked out, both were happy with what happened on the Manolo Santana Centre Court. The Serb will progress at the Mutua Madrid Open after a two-set win (6-4, 7-5) in an intense duel that “was decided on the details” according to López in his press conference.

Djokovic said the quality was “definitely very high” in a match in which he faced a López who “played really well, especially in the second set”. This he “enjoyed very much”. Nole felt “more comfortable on the baseline” than in other matches and said he felt “very happy about because I don’t get to spend too much time at the net. It’s a really nice stat”.

For his part, Feliciano López knows that he played “really well”. “I think tactically I played smart. I did what I had to do. I was very brave”, he said. One of the keys, according to the Spaniard, was “points at important moments, especially at the end of the first set”. And it was a very similar story in the second set, while Djokovic “got things right”.

López highlighted his opponent’s performance, calling it “solid, he served very well”. He believes the Serb “is growing in confidence. I think if he continues playing as he’s been playing today and winning matches, of course we’re going to see the same Djokovic as we’re used to seeing”.