Novak Djokovic continued his cost in the direction of a tenth Australian Open title with an outstanding 7-6 (7), 6-3, 6-4 victory over Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov to succeed in the fourth spherical on Saturday however fears in regards to the sturdiness of his injured left hamstring solely grew.
The Serbian, who’s eyeing a twenty second main to match Rafa Nadal, mentioned he felt “up and down” bodily through the three hours and 7 minutes he was on court docket as Dimitrov searched in useless for his second win over the fourth seed of their eleventh assembly.
Fourth seed Djokovic seemed unsure in his motion throughout a roller-coaster first set the place he started with a break, squandered three set factors at 5-3 and dropped serve late on earlier than edging an exciting tiebreak.
“Well it (the tiebreak) was as important as any other game. But I think that probably was one of the most important moments in the match,” Djokovic advised reporters.
“To prevail in the tiebreak and get a set ahead. Being a set down or a set up is a big difference. Mentally and physically… Kind of went up and down feeling physically with my leg.
“I just found a way to win in such an exciting match, big battle, over three hours for three sets. If I lost one of these sets, we could have gone the distance. God knows how long.
“We already had some matches over five hours during this tournament. This looked to be another one. I’m really fortunate to get through in straight sets.”
MEDICAL TIMEOUT
A heavily-strapped however extra aggressive Djokovic emerged from a medical timeout and constructed stress together with his relentless returns from the again, going up 4-2 as twenty seventh seed Dimitrov hit the web to give up his serve, and went on to wrap up the second set.
A half-fit Djokovic can nonetheless be a handful for many gamers however he seemed a little bit extra sure of his mobility within the third set and a double break to start out put him on the entrance foot earlier than he limped to his chair and had therapy once more at 4-1.
Dimitrov sprayed the errors — 50 in whole — however continued to ask questions and gained the subsequent two video games because the groans from the 35-year-old Djokovic grew louder throughout each level.
But an unbelievable 31-shot rally arrange match level and Djokovic lastly subdued his opponent to guide a conflict with Australian Alex de Minaur.
“Well, it kind of always starts well in the last few matches, including this one, and then some movement happens and then it gets worse,” the Serbian mentioned about taking part in together with his damage.
“Pills kick in, some hot cream and stuff. That works for a little bit, then it doesn’t, then works again. It’s really a rollercoaster, honestly.
Djokovic said that it was draining to deal with matches in a less than ideal physical state.
“But it is what it is. It’s kind of a circumstances that you have to accept,” he added. “I’m just grateful that I’m actually able to play. The way it looked just before the tournament started, I thought that it wouldn’t be possible.
“I’m still here and still holding on.”