Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic doesn't give Alex de Minaur a chance
Novak Djokovic is in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open 2023 after an impressive performance. The nine-time Melbourne champion didn't give local hero Alex de Minaur a chance ( Here you can read the match in re-live! )
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Jan 23, 2023, 11:39 am
Novak Djokovic continues step by step towards winning his tenth title at the Australian Open. The ailing Serb didn't let Alex de Minaur dissuade him either, the fifth in the world rankings bought his ticket for the round of eight in an impressively dominant manner. In the quarter-finals, Djokovic now meets Andrey Rublev, who in a chaotic match after defending two match balls 11: 9 in the Champions tie-break of the fifth set against Holger Rune had the upper hand.
Djokovic only wobbled against de Minaur in the first four games. There, the Serb hadn't adjusted his sights one hundred percent. What followed was pure dominance. And an appearance in which Djokovic, apart from the association, indicated absolutely nothing about a thigh injury. The 21-time major winner secured nine games in a row - and pulled away 6: 2 and 5: 0. The man from Belgrade was too confident, too dominant, too stable that evening in the Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic impressed
The Serb needed just one hour and 15 minutes to ensure clear conditions in this match with 6: 2 and 6: 1. Alex de Minaus fought self-sacrificingly, but had to admit without envy that there was very little to gain against the Serbian high-flyer that evening. Who continued in section three where he left off at the end of the second set: with an almost frightening naturalness against a top 25 man.
In the very first game, the Serb secured his opponent's serve - and continued to march unstoppably towards the quarter-finals. Nothing should change in this key in the episode, Djokovic continued his demonstration of power unhindered and quickly pulled away with a double break in section three. Once again, de Minaur, who was really sorry at times, couldn't keep up with this pace, with 6: 2, 6: 1 and 6: 2 Djokovic made it perfect for the quarter-finals.
At the same time as Novak Djokovic, Tommy Paul also fixed his entry into the round of eight. The American kept the upper hand in four sets in a close match against Murray conqueror Roberto Bautista Agut. In the quarterfinals, Paul meets surprise man Ben Shelton, who won against JJ Wolf in the early hours of the morning (CET).
You can read the match in re-live here!
laver arena