An intense Novak Djokovic has brushed apart harm issues after defeating Daniil Medvedev on Saturday evening to arrange an Adelaide International ultimate towards Sebastian Korda.
The prime seed, who has an ominous 22-1 document since September, was breathtaking at instances as he cruised previous the previous world primary Russian 6-3, 6-4 in preparation for the Australian Open, the place he’s a nine-time champion.
World quantity 5 Djokovic broke in each units on Medvedev double-faults earlier than lifting his depth to storm house.
But he had a scare within the first set, clutching his left hamstring as he tried to succeed in for a Medvedev cross-court forehand.
The 35-year-old briefly continued earlier than taking a medical timeout.
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The Serbian star was then seen repeatedly grabbing at his hamstring in discomfort, whereas additionally stretching it out within the second set.
It was an ongoing development that clearly irked his Russian opponent, who appeared to imitate Djokovic’s complaints late within the second set.
Aussie tennis nice John Fitzgerald recommended Medvedev’s antics had been an try and insinuate Djokovic was enjoying up the harm, an accusation Djoker has been subjected to on quite a few events all through his profession.
“I think Medvedev is insinuating that there’s nothing wrong with Novak … a wry smile, feeling his own hamstring up high,” Fitzgerald mentioned in commentary for Nine.
“If Novak picks up on that, he won’t appreciate it, by the way.
“I’m just getting a bit of amusement here from Daniil,” Fitzgerald later added.
“He’s hip-hopping and jumping on his left hamstring every time he wins a point here now.”
Respected tennis journalist José Morgado couldn’t get sufficient of the antics, writing on Twitter: “Medvedev mocking Djokovic’s injury by touching his left thigh and limping between points while smiling to his box. I need my popcorn.”
Djokovic appeared unfazed by Medvedev’s antics and later advised reporters the harm wasn’t a significant concern forward of the Australian Open.
“Thankfully nothing too serious, if it was I wouldn’t be able to continue,” he mentioned.
“I just tried with some anti-inflammatories and it kind of settled in after a few games.
“I was just trying to keep the momentum going and don’t allow him to break my serve. The longer the match went my hamstring was warmer, I guess, and bothering me less.
“Hopefully for tomorrow it will be all fine,” he added.
Meanwhile, unseeded Sebastian Korda, son of former world quantity two Petr Korda, was in cost 7-6 (7/5), 1-0 of his match when Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka known as for a medical timeout for remedy in his higher proper leg earlier than retiring damage.
“Very excited for the way I’m playing and a lot of confidence leading into the big one (final),” mentioned 22-year-old Korda, 22, who received his first and solely title on clay in Parma in 2021, whereas making two finals final 12 months.
“Excited to play either one (Djokovic or Medvedev). It’s always a great thing to learn from different kinds of players.
“It’s going to be a great learning experience whatever the outcome and, you know, I’m going to go for the win.”
