Australian Open: Novak Djokovic knocks home favorite Alex De Minaur to reach quarterfinals | Tennis news
Novak Djokovic gave his all as he beat Alex De Minaur, the home favourite, to reach the quarter-finals of the 13th Australian Open.
The nine-time champion’s damaged left hamstring dominated discussion around his chances of winning again at Melbourne Park but there was no sign of discomfort here as he won 6- 2 6-1 6-2 with a ruthless performance.
Speaking on the field, the fourth seed said: “I can’t say ‘I’m sorry you didn’t watch a longer game’. I really want to win consecutive sets. I think four, The first five games were pretty close.
“I’m starting to feel looser, freer, dribbling and more aggressive. I’ve kept my focus the whole time and played my best game of the year so far.”
On the hamstring issue, Djokovic said: “I don’t feel anything today. It’s been great today. I thank my medical team, thank God, anyone who really helped me.
“I don’t want to celebrate too soon. I know things can change very quickly and I don’t take anything for granted. Today I was really pleased with the way I moved today and the way I hit the ball. .”
However, it was a very uncomfortable evening for De Minaur, the singles’ last remaining hope, on Rod Laver Arena as he was left out in every way.
Watched by his girlfriend, British tennis player Katie Boulter, the 23-year-old did his best to find his way into the competition, but without big weapons he simply couldn’t hurt Djokovic, who broke serve six times and did not face. a single breaking point yourself.
Djokovic will meet the seed of the next year Andrey Rublev who rose from the brink to knock rising star Holger Rune and secured a second quarter-final at Melbourne Park with a seesaw 6-3 3-6 6-3 4-6 7-6 (11-9) ).
In a tiebreak in the relentless final set, Rune saved two match points but was powerless to save a third as Rublev came back 5-0 in a 10-point tie-break, determine victory with a return serve that crosses the scoreline. net and dashed through, leaving Dane with no chance.
“[Tennis is] Rublev told the court. “I think it’s much easier to ride a roller coaster, man.”
“I’ve never been able to win matches like this in my life, it’s the first time in my life that I’ve been able to win a match like this.
America 20 years old Ben Shelton beat compatriot JJ Wolf 6-7 (7-5) 6-2 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 in a 4th round match that lasted nearly 4 hours .
Shelton, who is still at university, said: “It was definitely a surprise. I boarded the plane without any expectations. I know it’s very difficult to adapt from the US to Australia with just a few words. jet lag, shift times and everything.
“Having never been out of the United States, I knew it was going to be a struggle. So I thought it might help me a little bit without that expectation or the feeling that I have to perform, but maybe it’s possible. get out there, be yourself and play freely.”
tommy paulranked 35th, sent the three Americans into the last eight with a 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-5 win over Andy Murray’s conqueror Roberto Bautista Agut.
