Novak Djokovic reaches Adelaide International quarter-finals

• Novak Djokovic overcame a shaky start to earn a hard-fought win against Frenchman Quentin Halys to qualify for the Adelaide International quarter-finals. 
• Novak Djokovic will face Canada’s Denis Shapovalov in the Adelaide International quarter-finals. 

Novak Djokovic overcame a shaky start to earn a hard-fought win against Frenchman Quentin Halys to qualify for the Adelaide International quarter-finals. 

The Serbia international rallied back from 5-2 down in the first set and 5-3 in the second set to win 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5). 

Novak Djokovic, who won Wimbledon among five titles in 2022, lost his opening service game against Quentin Halys.

Novak Djokovic reached Adelaide International quarter-finals. Photo/ The Courier Mail.

He earned two break points in game three but was not able to convert. With the crowd behind him, Djokovic broke to love in the seventh game and then raced through the tiebreak. 

The second tie was a tough one for both players, who went on another tiebreak. Quentin Halys saved two match points at 5-4, and Novak Djokovic finally prevailed after the Frenchman netted a backhand. 

Speaking after the match, Novak Djokovic praised his opponent for a great fight. 

“It was a great performance from my opponent today. He played like a top-10 player today. It was difficult to break his serve because he was hitting his spots and was being very precise, and big serves, as well. Proud to be able to overcome a challenge like this. Winning two tiebreakers is always great, I think, for confidence level at the beginning of the year.” Novak Djokovic said, as per The Sun Daily. 

Novak Djokovic’s Next Opponent

The former world number one will face Canada’s Denis Shapovalov on Friday as a reward for his victory against the 64th-ranked Frenchman. 

Denis Shapovalov, who is ranked world number 18, reached the quarter-finals after defeating Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-3. 

Denis, who led team Canada to their first Davis Cup title in November, is in good form, and Novak Djokovic acknowledges him as a tough opponent. 

Novak described the Canada international as one of the complete players. 

“Denis is one of the most complete players out there. He has a very dynamic style of tennis. He has a big serve, comes to the net, is comfortable playing at the back of a court, and he’s a great athlete. I haven’t played him for a while, so I’m looking forward to it. Every match from here gets tougher.” Novak Djokovic said, according to ATP Tour. 

Denis Shapovalov has not won any match against Novak Djokovic. The Serbia international leads Denis 7-0 in their ATP Head2Head series. However, the world number 18 has been competitive in their last meetings.

Novak Djokovic and Denis Shapovalov have met seven times. Photo/ Sportsnet.

Meanwhile, American Sebastian Korda defeated Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4 6-4 in the last 16. Jannik Sinner will face Thanasi Kokkinakkis later on Thursday. 

In the women’s round of 16, American Claire Liu suffered defeat at the hands of Linda Noskova. The Czech teen will either face Zheng Qinwen or Victoria Azarenka. 

Tunisian Ons Jabeur will face Sorana Cirstea later on Thursday.