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Australian Open 2023: 'Did not know if I was going to prevail' - Djokovic after battling past Dimitrov

Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic had to dig deep as he battled past Grigor Dimitrov to win his third-round match and move into the pre-quarters. However, he admitted that he was still determining triumphing in the contest.

tennis Australian Open 2023: Did not know if I was going to prevail - Novak Djokovic after battling past Grigor Dimitrov-ayh
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First Published Jan 21, 2023, 6:03 PM IST

Record nine-time former Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia was again put into a test as he faced off against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in the third round of the 2023 AO on Saturday. Struggling with his hamstring since winning the Adelaide International a couple of weeks back, he was given a tough competition and physically challenged, as the Bulgarian looked to take advantage of it. However, the Serbian dug deep to develop a straight-set 7-6(7), 6-3, 6-4 conquest to move in the pre-quarters. In the meantime, Djokovic was satisfied with the win, crediting Dimitrov for coming up with his A-game, while he also expressed that he doubted himself of emerging victorious.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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"Every point and game mattered. The turning point for both players was right from the start. Making an early break was important. I didn't know how I was going to feel physically. I was going up and down. Grigor is someone that I truly admire and respect. He is one of my best friends on Tour. We go back a long time. He is one of the most talented players you will see. He is such a great athlete," Djokovic stated following the success.

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"I thought a double break in the third would be enough, but he was locked in. Until the very last shot, I did not know if I would prevail. It was an incredible battle. Three sets, over three hours. Let's rest up and prepare for the next one," concluded Djokovic.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Djokovic has extended his lead over Dimitrov 10-1 in the ATP head-to-head encounters. The former would be facing local favourite Alex de Minaur on Monday. While the Serbian is chasing his record-extending 10th AO title and record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam championship, he would also become once again become the world number one if he emerges triumphant with the title next Sunday.

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