MELBOURNE — A creaking Novak Djokovic, hampered by a hamstring problem that threatens his quest for a 10th Australian Open crown and 22nd Grand Slam, soldiered…
Djokovic had his left thigh looked at by the trainer after a tight opening set where he was pushed to the limit and, though he came through the next comfortably and his movement improved, the groans grew louder with every point in the third.Sign up to receive daily headline news from Ottawa Citizen, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Asked about younger rivals fourth seed Djokovic said: “What do you mean the young ones? Thirty five is the new 25, you know? Look at Rafa , look at Andy Murray they’re all playing at an extremely high level.” “To see a packed Rod Laver Arena was pretty special, you know, all having my back,” the 22nd seed said. “It’s one of those moments where you’ve just got to pinch yourself and stay in the moment.”Czech fans at Melbourne Park savored double delight as 17-year-old Linda Fruhvirtova burst into the spotlight by joining former world number one Karolina Pliskova in the fourth round, while fifth seed Aryna Sabalenka continued her progress.
Sabalenka’s emotions have often got the better of her but the big-hitting Belarusian said being “boring” was working for her. A quarter-finalist two years ago, Rublev unleashed his wrath on the chair umpire in his previous match after being warned for an audible obscenity. Twice major finalist Pliskova missed last year’s tournament after breaking her arm in a freak gym accident but victory over 23rd seed Zhang would continue the tall Czech’s resurgence following her quarter-final run at Flushing Meadows.
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