Novak Djokovic Cruises into Australian Open Quarterfinals, Tying Federer’s Record
Djokovic Dominates Mannarino, Reaches 58th Grand Slam Quarterfinal
Novak Djokovic produced a stunning performance to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals with a dominant 6-0, 6-0, 6-3 victory over France’s Adrian Mannarino on Sunday. This marks the 58th time the Serb has reached the last eight of a Grand Slam, equaling Roger Federer’s all-time record.
Djokovic, who is chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, had faced tough tests in the opening two rounds of this tournament, dropping a set in each. However, he has found his rhythm as the second week approaches.
“The first two sets [were some] of the best sets I’ve played in a while,” Djokovic said afterwards.
Djokovic Nearly Achieves “Triple Bagel,” but Mannarino Holds On in Third Set
As Djokovic raced through the first two sets without dropping a game, he seemed on course for a rare “triple bagel” – winning all sets 6-0. This would have been the first of its kind at the Australian Open and first at any Grand Slam since 1993. However, Mannarino, who could only laugh at the end of the second set, finally won a game in the third.
“I really wanted to lose that game in the third set, because the tension was building up so much in the stadium,” Djokovic said. “I just needed to get that one out of the way so I can refocus on what I needed to do to close out the match.”
Djokovic to Face Taylor Fritz in Quarterfinals
IDEM🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 #AusOpen #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/3Hxe4ne2oL
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 21, 2024
He will now face Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals after the American shocked last year’s finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6(3) 5-7 6-3 6-3 in their fourth-round match. Fritz, the tournament’s No. 12 seed, had never defeated a top 10 player at a Grand Slam before but he limited himself to just 19 unforced errors and hit 13 aces to reach his maiden Australian Open quarterfinal.
“The last three games of the match I really, really turned it on, almost like [I] was in a trance and everything,” Fritz said afterwards.
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Sabalenka and Gauff Cruise into Australian Open Quarterfinals
Dominant Wins Secure Last Eight Berths for Defending Champion and Rising Star
- Sabalenka Power Overcomes Anisimova: Aryna Sabalenka, defending champion and world No. 2, displayed raw power to defeat Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-2. Despite falling behind early, Sabalenka regrouped and dominated the second set, setting up a clash with Barbora Krejcikova in the quarterfinals.
- Gauff Shines on Rod Laver Arena: Coco Gauff, the young American star, dispatched Magdalena Frech with a swift 6-1, 6-2 victory in just 63 minutes. The win saw Gauff play under the watchful eye of tennis legend Rod Laver himself, and she will next face Marta Kostyuk in the quarterfinal.
- Kostyuk Storms into First Grand Slam Quarterfinal: Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk didn’t hold back, dominating Maria Timofeeva 6-2, 6-1 to reach her first ever grand slam quarterfinal. Kostyuk displayed aggressive play and expressed her delight in finally performing without pressure.
- Gauff’s Message Beyond Tennis: Gauff’s shoes, adorned with various messages including “You can change the world with your racquet,” became a talking point. The teenager emphasized that her identity extends beyond tennis, citing the message as a reminder of life’s bigger picture.
Andreeva Falls Short of Historic Record: Despite winning the first set against Barbora Krejcikova, 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva missed out on becoming the youngest Australian Open quarterfinalist since Martina Hingis in 1997. Krejcikova recovered to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, teaching Andreeva a valuable lesson about managing pressure.
With Sabalenka and Gauff cruising through their matches and Kostyuk making a stunning debut in the last eight, the Australian Open women’s competition promises exciting clashes in the next round.
FAQ-
How did Djokovic perform in the Australian Open quarter-finals?
Djokovic dominated Adrian Mannarino 6-0, 6-0, 6-3, nearly achieving a "triple bagel" but losing a single game in the third set. He commented on "the best sets I've played in a while.
What record did Djokovic tie with this win?
Djokovic reached his 58th Grand Slam quarter-final, equaling Roger Federer's all-time record.
Who will Djokovic face in the next round?
Djokovic will face Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals, after Fritz defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas.
How did Gauff perform in the Australian Open quarter-finals?
Gauff cruised through her match against Magdalena Frech with a 6-1, 6-2 victory, showcasing dominant play with 21 winners and facing no break points.
What did Gauff say about her performance?
Gauff spoke about feeling older than her 19 years after playing so well, having "lived so many lives the last four years."
What is Gauff's next match?
Gauff will face Marta Kostyuk in the quarter-finals after Kostyuk's win over Maria Timofeeva.
Who else reached the Australian Open quarter-finals?
Besides Djokovic and Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Marta Kostyuk, Barbora Krejcikova, and Aryna Sabalenka also secured quarter-final spots.