Tennis news - Novak Djokovic sees off Daniil Medvedev to continue Australian Open charge

ByBen Grounds

Updated 21/01/2019 at 14:10 GMT

Novak Djokovic reached his 10th Australian Open quarter-final after coming throuhg in four sets against Daniil Medvedev 6-4 6-7 6-2 6-2 in a war of attrition on Monday.

The Serbian, aiming for his seventh title in Melbourne, was far from his fluent best in a physical battle, dropping the second set, but a hard-fought win in Melbourne means he is through to the last eight.

After Stefanos Tsitsipas' victory over Roger Federer on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, Medvedev was trying to strike another blow for the next generation against the old guard - but Djokovic prevailed.

The world number one will face Kei Nishikori for a place in the semi-finals, but an awkward fall in the third set on the Rod Laver Arena provides a concern ahead of that contest.

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Asked in his on-court interview how he was feeling, Djokovic said: "Since I guess my next opponent is watching, I'm feeling fantastic, I've never felt fresher in my life.

Daniil Medvedev fought back to level the contest but ultimately fell to defeat

Image credit: Getty Images

"It was definitely a physical battle, Daniil has been playing some really good tennis in the last six months. It was difficult to go through him, I just had to find a different way.

"I was fortunate to save a couple of break points. In these kind of matches you just have to hang in there and wait for your opportunities."

Medvedev had talked up his chances ahead of the match, claiming Djokovic was not the same player as at his peak and there would be chances to beat him.

The fiery Russian had his opportunities but ultimately could not take them, although it was Djokovic who was angry after complicating the first two sets.

After being broken serving for the opening set, he then saw a 4-1 lead slip away in the second much to his frustration. Djokovic fought back from 2-6 down in the tie-break but Medvedev held his nerve on his fourth set point on a mammoth rally.

But Djokovic would wear his young opponent down in three hours and 15 minutes to set up his date with Nishikori.

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