22 January,2019 08:42 AM IST | Melbourne | AFP
Novak Djokovic exults after his victory over Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open. Pic/AFP
Novak Djokovic dropped a set for the second match running but survived a tough examination by 15th seed Daniil Medvedev yesterday to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals.
The World No. 1 won 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-3 and will face Japan's eighth seed Kei Nishikori for a place in the semi-finals. Djokovic and Medvedev both needed attention from the trainer during a draining 3hr 15min match liberally sprinkled with punishing rallies of 30 shots or more, and one of 42 strokes.
"That was a physical battle," said a relieved Djokovic, who crucially saved three break points from 2-1, 0-40 in the pivotal third set to break the tenacious 22-year-old's resolve. "Daniil played some great tennis. He has a great backhand and doesn't make any unforced errors on that side. It was hard to find another way to get through him. In these kinds of matches you just have to hang in there."
"It was kind of a cat-and-mouse game for most of the match. We had rallies of 40, 45 exchanges. That's why I think it was physically exhausting. "Even though it was three sets to one, it seems like a five-set match, really," said Djokovic. Djokovic stayed on course for a record seventh Australian Open title but will next have to conquer marathon man Nishikori.
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The Japanese No. 1 endured a third five-setter in four matches to get past Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta. "Since I guess my next opponent is watching, I'm feeling fantastic. I have never felt fresher in my life," Djokovic joked on court.
When told it was eighth seed Nishikori he added: "Thanks for the great news. I was hoping you were going to say the other guy won but well done Kei, amazing. "I look forward to it. He's one of the quickest players on tour."
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