Australian Open: As he defeated local favourite Alex De Minaur to advance to the Australian Open quarterfinals for the 13th time, Novak Djokovic was in top form.
There has been much debate over the nine-time champion’s chances of winning again at Melbourne Park due to a torn left hamstring, but there were no signs of pain as he dominated the match and won 6-2 6-1 6-2.
Can't stop 💪
Won't stop 💙@DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/I1A9N1jJWs— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2023
The fourth seed stated in a statement while on the court: “I cannot say, ‘I’m sorry you haven’t watched a longer match. I was definitely hoping for a straight-set victory. The first four or five games, in my opinion, were very close.
“I think I started feeling more relaxed and free to be more aggressive and get through the ball. I maintained my focus throughout and gave this year’s greatest performance to date.”
Djokovic stated regarding his hamstring, “I didn’t feel anything today. Today was fantastic. Thank God, my medical staff, and anyone else who has actually helped me.
“I don’t want to have a party too soon. I don’t take anything for granted since I am aware of how rapidly things can change. The way I moved and smacked the ball today makes me feel pretty good.”
When asked if his performance “was perfection on a tennis court” on Eurosport, he Closes to, a reply from Djokovic.
De Minaur, the final surviving home singles hope, had a very difficult evening at Rod Laver Arena because he was outplayed in every way.
The 23-year-old tried his best to get into the match while being watched by his girlfriend. British player Katie Boulter, but without any power tools, he was just unable to harm Djokovic. He broke service six games and did not have any breakpoints himself.
A traumatised Says De Minaur “I would say that what I saw and felt today was definitely Novak at or very near his peak. If that’s the level, in my opinion, he will unquestionably win the title.”
The fifth seed Andrey Rublev will be Djokovic’s opponent next. Rublev overcame a setback to eliminate emerging sensation Holger Rune and advance to the second round of the Melbourne Park tournament with a nail-biting 6-3 3-6 6-4 7-6 (11-9) victory.
Rune was able to save two match points in the fourth set tiebreak, but Rublev was able to come back from 5-0 in the 10-point tiebreak and seal the victory with a return of serve that nicked the net and popped over, giving the Dane no chance.
Rublev remarked on the court, “[Tennis is] not a rollercoaster, it’s like they put a gun to your head. Man, I think a rollercoaster is much simpler.”
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