Novak Djokovic has handed one other bodily take a look at, easing damage considerations as he continued his pursuit of a tenth Australian Open title with a troublesome victory over Grigor Dimitrov.
The Serbian celebrity managed his limitations effectively within the 7-6 (9-7) 6-3 6-4 win on Saturday night time, which arrange a mouth-watering fourth-round conflict with native favorite Alex de Minaur.
Djokovic’s restoration and preparation earlier than Monday’s contest shall be key, after he once more required mid-match therapy on his troublesome left hamstring.
But he’s buoyed by his newest conquer Twenty seventh-seeded Bulgarian Dimitrov, which ensured Djokovic’s passage to the second week at Melbourne Park for the fifteenth time in his final 16 makes an attempt.
“I didn’t know how I’m going to feel physically. It was king of going up and down,” Djokovic stated.
“Grigor is someone that I truly admire and respect. He’s one of my best friends on tour, we go back a long time and he’s one of the most talented players that you’ll see on the tour.
“I thought double-break in the third (set) was going to be enough for me but he was locked in from that moment.
“Up to the very last shot I didn’t know whether I’m going to prevail or not.
“It was an incredible battle. Three sets, over three hours. Let’s rest up and prepare for the next one.”
Djokovic didn’t have every thing go his means and was rattled when handed a time violation whereas attempting to serve out the primary set at 5-4.
“Well done,” he sarcastically stated to the chair umpire on the time.
“First time in the set, break point, time violation. Well done.”
Djokovic took a medical timeout after claiming the primary set tiebreaker however appeared to maneuver extra freely because the match wore on.
Early breaks of serve in every set have been essential as Djokovic dictated phrases for essentially the most half.
“Every point, every game mattered,” Djokovic stated.
“The turning point for both players was right from the blocks, you know, very first game.”
It was Djokovic’s tenth win in 11 makes an attempt in opposition to Dimitrov and thirty seventh consecutive victory on Australian soil.
