CNN
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Novak Djokovic beat Grigor Dimitrov in straight units – 7-6 (9-7) 6-3 6-4 – to maneuver within the final 16 of the Australian Open, regardless of a labored efficiency from the world No. 5 who was visibly struggling to maneuver at factors through the match.
Djokovic, who’s arguably the favourite to win the competitors after Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud had been knocked out, got here into the Saturday’s conflict carrying a hamstring damage, though he appeared to ease these worries as he broke Dimitrov’s serve within the first sport.
However Djokovic pulled up feeling his hamstring later within the first set and was pressured to take a medical timeout after profitable a grueling tie break.
After some remedy, Djokovic returned a brand new man and took benefit of Dimitrov’s free play to take the second set comfortably.
The Bulgarian had not dropped a single set within the earlier two rounds, however he couldn’t sustain with the metronomic Djokovic.
Regardless of taking part in properly within the first set, Dimitrov was unable to recuperate after shedding it.
He was sensational at occasions, serving 15 aces and taking part in some terrific pictures, however for ever elegant stroke, there was an equally wild one and he ended the match with 50 unforced errors.
If there’s anybody who can punish foolish errors, even whereas carrying an damage, it’s the relentless Djokovic.
It was not a fairly victory, however even whereas fighting health, Djokovic’s protection was unshakeable and pissed off Dimitrov time and time once more.
Following an attritional third set by which 5 serves had been damaged, Djokovic ultimately closed out the match to win in straight units and proceed his hunt for a twenty second grand slam title.
Djokovic will now face Australian Alex de Minaur within the spherical of 16 and the 23-year-old could have a raucous dwelling crowd behind him.
