Defending champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia has made it to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Australian Open 2021, in Melbourne. On Sunday, he survived a substantial test from world number seven, Germany’s Alexander Zverev.
undefined
It wasn’t an easy win for the Serbian, as he had to involve himself in four sets for the same. The German claimed the opening set 7-6 (8-6), before Nole bounced back strong in the second, to win 6-2. While the Serbian had to grind it 6-4 in the third, the fourth set was again into the tie-breaks, as Nole survived 7-6 (8-6).
undefined
Both the players displayed strong resilience, while Djokovic continued to battle an abdominal muscle injury from the third round. As Zverev played with an aggressive mentality throughout the game, Djokovic relied on his backhand slice, along with occasional powerful forehand and drop shots.
undefined
Djokovic will now meet unseeded Russian Aslan Karatsev in the semis. The latter beat world number 21, Grigor Dimitrov, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 to reach the semis in his maiden Grand Slam appearance. He has also become the first since 1968, in the Open Era, to do so.
undefined
“To be honest, I hadn’t seen [Karatsev] play at all before the Australian Open. Of course, I have seen him play during the Australian Open… He is a very strong guy. Physically, he is just very strong. He moves well, just has a lot of firepower from the back of the court. Great backhand. From the Russian school of tennis, always have great backhands. He serves well and he is motivated. He has nothing to lose,” said Djokovic.
undefined
Meanwhile, in the women’s department, world number 11, Serena Willians of United States of America has sealed her place in the semis as well. She overcame a strong challenge from world number two, Romania’s Simona Halep, to beat her in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.
undefined
The Romanian was onto the backfoot right from the start, as the American had a smooth ride in the opening set. Halep looked to provide some fightback by breaking Serena on a couple of occasions. However, the world number 11 reciprocated by breaking her back each time, thanks to her relentless and powerful forehand. Eventually, Halep seemingly ran out of option, as Serena prevailed.
undefined
The American would now face world number three, Naomi Osaka of Japan, in a rematch from the 2017 US Open final, where the latter was victorious. Although Serena beat her last month in Adelaide’s exhibition game, AO semis would be a whole different ball game.
undefined
“I have an incredible opponent to play, so it would be nice to, hopefully, keep raising the level of my game. I’m going to have to ... I feel like she does everything well. She has a good serve, she has a great return, she’s strong on both sides,” said Serena.
undefined