Novak Djokovic plans to attract on the expertise of taking up Lleyton Hewitt and the Melbourne Park crowd when he faces tennis velocity demon Alex de Minaur for his customary spot within the Australian Open quarter-finals.
Unbeaten in Australia for 5 years and 37 matches, Djokovic, even whereas seemingly hampered by a hamstring damage, is a heat favorite to progress to the Open’s final eight for a thirteenth time on Monday.
But he definitely will not be the followers’ favorite within the fourth-round blockbuster with de Minaur carrying the hopes of a nation because the final Australian standing within the 2023 AO singles attracts.
De Minaur wants no added motivation as he chases a spot within the quarter-finals of his house slam for the primary time however is aware of having the help of the Rod Laver Arena crowd could be a large issue.
“It’s no secret that I love playing here in my backyard. The Aussie crowd is amazing. They’ve had my back from day dot,” he mentioned.
“My opponents not only have to play against me but they’ve got to play against me and the whole crowd, right?”
Djokovic is aware of that full properly.
“I’m sure that the atmosphere will be electric and he’s going to have a lot of support, and he’s going to be pumped to try to win the match,” mentioned the nine-times champion.
“But I’ve had experiences before. I played Lleyton Hewitt here. I played some big Aussie players, so I know how that feels. I know what to expect.”
Of extra concern to Djokovic is de Minaur’s lightning velocity across the court docket and his personal motion points as the previous world No.1 continues to be hindered – and slowed – by his left leg difficulty.
“Obviously de Minaur is one of the quickest players on the tour – probably the quickest guy,” Djokovic mentioned.
“He has improved a lot and obviously he has Lleyton Hewitt in his corner, a multiple grand slam winner, (former) No.1 in the world. That’s a great team.
“The undeniable fact that I by no means confronted him can be difficult.”
While de Minaur says he’s not reading too much into Djokovic’s physical condition, the Serbian superstar has required several medical timeouts to make it through the first three rounds.
“It form of all the time begins properly in previous couple of matches after which some motion occurs after which it will get worse,” the fourth seed mentioned.
“Yeah, tablets kick in, some sizzling cream and stuff. That works for just a little bit, then it does not, then works once more. It’s actually a curler coaster, truthfully.
“It requires a lot of energy that is being spent from my side mentally and physically, as well, to deal with the match with my opponent and also with not ideal physical state.
“But it’s what it’s. It’s form of a circumstances that you must settle for. I’m simply very grateful that I’m really capable of play.
“The way it looked just before the tournament started, I thought that it wouldn’t be possible.
“I’m nonetheless right here and nonetheless holding on.”
Djokovic or de Minaur will play either Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev or Danish world No.10 Hulger Rune on Wednesday for a place in the semi-finals.
4-NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB) v 22-ALEX DE MINAUR (AUS) – first meeting
Age: 35
Ranking: 5
Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Career prize money: $US164,786,653
Career titles: 92
Grand slam titles: 21 (Australian Open 2008, 2011-2013, 2015-16, 2019-21; French Open 2016, 2021; Wimbledon 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022; US Open 2011, 2015, 2018)
Australian Open win-loss record: 85-8
Best Australian Open results: champion 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021
ALEX DE MINAUR
Age: 23
Ranking: 24
Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Career prize money: $US7,944,797
Career titles: 6
Grand slam titles: 0
Australian Open win-loss record: 11-5
Best Australian Open outcome: fourth spherical 2022, 2023
