ADELAIDE (Australia): Novak Djokovic will face the biggest test of his australian open preparations for a successful semi-final with the former world number one Daniel Medvedev after serbian rhythm Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 6-4 at the Adelaide International friday.
Djokovic was well received on his return to Australia after being expelled on the eve of the Grand Slam last year for not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and the 35-year-old delighted fans by comfortably mounting a set and a break.
Canada’s world number 18 Shapovalov raised his game to level at 3-3 in the second set but gave up his serve after a wayward shot and a double fault as Djokovic took a 5-4 lead before closing the quarter-final serving.
Top seed Djokovic has won his last three meetings with Medvedev, who last beat him in the 2021 US Open final.
“It’s going to be another long night. There won’t be too many short points unless we both serve well,” said Djokovic, who is 8-4 on aggregate against the Russian.
“Against him, you have to be ready to go the distance physically and mentally… game-wise, he’s one of the best of the last five years. He won… and he’s someone whom I respect a lot.
“We’ve had some amazing battles over the years and hopefully we can have one more.”
Third seed Medvedev advanced earlier with a 6-3, 6-3 win over compatriot Karen Khachanov in their first tour encounter since 2019 to improve his record against him to 3-1.
“I’m happy that I managed to raise my level, especially at the end of the two sets and I’m really happy to be in the semi-finals,” Medvedev said.
Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka knocked out the last remaining Australian in the ATP 250 event by beating qualifier Alexei Popyrin 7-6(4), 6-7(8), 6-2 to set up a semi-final clash with Sebastian Korda , looking for a first win over the American.
Korda took on sixth seed Jannik Sinner after straight-set wins over Andy Murray and Roberto Bautista Agut and the world No. 33 was again unstoppable in his 7-5, 6-1 victory over the struggling Italian. a hip problem.
“It was a great game until something started to bother him,” Korda said. “So I wish him all the best for the coming weeks and the upcoming Australian Open.”
Djokovic was well received on his return to Australia after being expelled on the eve of the Grand Slam last year for not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and the 35-year-old delighted fans by comfortably mounting a set and a break.
Canada’s world number 18 Shapovalov raised his game to level at 3-3 in the second set but gave up his serve after a wayward shot and a double fault as Djokovic took a 5-4 lead before closing the quarter-final serving.
Top seed Djokovic has won his last three meetings with Medvedev, who last beat him in the 2021 US Open final.
“It’s going to be another long night. There won’t be too many short points unless we both serve well,” said Djokovic, who is 8-4 on aggregate against the Russian.
“Against him, you have to be ready to go the distance physically and mentally… game-wise, he’s one of the best of the last five years. He won… and he’s someone whom I respect a lot.
“We’ve had some amazing battles over the years and hopefully we can have one more.”
Third seed Medvedev advanced earlier with a 6-3, 6-3 win over compatriot Karen Khachanov in their first tour encounter since 2019 to improve his record against him to 3-1.
“I’m happy that I managed to raise my level, especially at the end of the two sets and I’m really happy to be in the semi-finals,” Medvedev said.
Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka knocked out the last remaining Australian in the ATP 250 event by beating qualifier Alexei Popyrin 7-6(4), 6-7(8), 6-2 to set up a semi-final clash with Sebastian Korda , looking for a first win over the American.
Korda took on sixth seed Jannik Sinner after straight-set wins over Andy Murray and Roberto Bautista Agut and the world No. 33 was again unstoppable in his 7-5, 6-1 victory over the struggling Italian. a hip problem.
“It was a great game until something started to bother him,” Korda said. “So I wish him all the best for the coming weeks and the upcoming Australian Open.”
