Melbourne: Novak Djokovic dropped a set for the second match running but survived a tough examination by 15th seed Daniil Medvedev yesterday to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals.
The world number one won 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-3 and will face Japan’s eighth seed Kei Nishikori for a place in the semi-finals.
Djokovic and Medvedev both needed attention from the trainer during a draining 3hr 15min match liberally sprinkled with punishing rallies of 30 shots or more, and one of 42 strokes.
“That was a physical battle,” said a relieved Djokovic, who crucially saved three break points from 2-1, 0-40 in the pivotal third set to break the tenacious 22-year-old’s resolve.
“Daniil played some great tennis. He has a great backhand and doesn’t make any unforced errors on that side. It was hard to find another way to get through him. In these kinds of matches you just have to hang in there.”
Djokovic stayed on course for a record seventh Australian Open title but will next have to conquer marathon man Nishikori .
The Japanese number one endured a third five-setter in four matches to get past Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta.
“Since I guess my next opponent is watching, I’m feeling fantastic. I have never felt fresher in my life,” Djokovic joked on court.
When told it was eighth seed Nishikori he added: “Thanks for the great news. I was hoping you were going to say the other guy won but well done Kei, amazing.
“I look forward to it. He’s one of the quickest players on tour.”
Earlier, Nishikori recovered from two sets down to reach the quarter-finals with an epic five set win over Pablo Carreno Busta.
It was never-say-die Nishikori’s third five-setter of the tournament, the second time he came from two sets down and his second triumph via a final set 10-point tie break, newly introduced for this year’s tournament.
The 6-7 (8/10), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) win over the 23rd seeded Spaniard took a draining 5hr 5min after an opening set that alone lasted 76 minutes.
It ended on a sour note when Carreno Busta lost his head after a disputed call when leading the final tiebreak 8-5.
He failed to win another point and was booed from the Margaret Court Arena as he stormed off the court and angrily threw his kit bag towards the exit.
Meanwhile, German fourth seed Alexander Zverev self-destructed to slump out at the hands of Raonic Canadian Milos Raonic 6-1, 6-1, 7-6 (7/5).
The German has routinely been anointed as the flag-bearer for the next generation, but again failed to live up to his reputation and has now missed out on making the last eight of a major 14 times in 15 attempts.
So furious was he with his form, the 21-year-old had a major temper tantrum in the second set, whacking his racquet into the ground eight times to leave it a crumpled mess.
“I just tried to stay composed and it worked out well for me today,” said cool 16th seed Raonic, who will now face Frenchman Lucas Pouille after he battled past Croat Borna Coric in four tough sets.