The Serb continued his pursuit of a 10th Australian Open title with a commanding victory over Alex de Minaur in Melbourne
Nine-time tournament winner Novak Djokovic will face Russia’s Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open after the Serb crushed local hero Alex de Minaur in their fourth-round match on Monday.
Djokovic shrugged off any lingering concerns over a hamstring injury as he overpowered the helpless De Minaur in straight sets, 6-2 6-1 6-2, at Rod Laver Arena. Number 22 seed De Minaur had little answer to Djokovic’s dominance as the Serb – seeded fourth this year in Melbourne – won six of the 12 break points he manufactured on his rival’s serve without facing any in return.
Djokovic, 35, was forced to contend with a left hamstring injury in previous rounds in Melbourne, and although his leg was again heavily strapped, the issue did not seem to bother him as he put paid to local hopes – and the odd outbreak of heckling in the crowd – in clinical fashion.
“Obviously I was dealing with an injury, I don’t feel anything today. I thank my medical team, my physio, I thank God. I don’t take anything for granted, so let’s keep it going,” Djokovic said on court after his win.
“I’ve been taking a lot of pills, it’s not ideal… but not those kind of pills, guys, anti-inflammatory pills. Really today was the best day so far and hopefully it stays that way.”
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The Serb will now play fifth seed Rublev in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, after the Russian emerged from a five-set epic against Danish teenager Holger Rune earlier on Monday.