Novak Djokovic will face the biggest test of his preparation for the Australian Open in a heart-stopping semi-final against former world number one Daniil Medvedev, after the Serb beat Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 6-4 in Adelaide on Friday. International 1.
Djokovic has been well received on his return to Australia after his expulsion from the country on the eve of last year’s grand slam for not getting vaccinated against covid 19. The 35-year-old delighted fans by comfortably coming back from a set and a break.
Canadian Shapovalov, world number 18, improved his game to tie at 3-3 in the second set, but dropped serve after a deflected shot and a double fault and Djokovic went ahead 5-4 before closing out the quarterfinal clash. end with his serve.
DjokovicSeeded No. 1, he has won all three of his previous meetings with Medvedev, who last defeated him in the 2021 US Open final.
Against him, you have to be prepared to go all the way physically and mentally. As for the game, it is one of the best in the last five years. He has established himself and is someone I respect a lot ».
“We’ve had some amazing battles over the years and I hope we can have one more.”
Medvedev earlier advanced with a 6-3, 6-3 win over compatriot Karen Khachanov in their first meeting on tour since 2019 to improve his record against him to 3-1.
SOURCE: EFE
