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Djokovic must defy injury and crowd at Australian Open


Novak Djokovic Australian Open

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic falls while hitting back Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria during their men’s singles match on day six of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2023. (Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP )

Novak Djokovic will face hamstring problems and a home crowd when he takes on Alex de Minaur on Monday for a spot in the Australian Open quarterfinals.

In the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka faced a harsh test of her ability to win the title when she faced Olympic champion and 12th seed Belinda Bencic.

Djokovic is often a favorite at Melbourne Park, where the former world number one is chasing a record 10th Australian Open and 22nd major title.

But the 35-year-old from Serbia has struggled with a left hamstring injury since he arrived at the tournament.

He suffered a heavy belt on his thigh and needed medical treatment during his three-set third-round win over 27th seed Grigor Dimitrov.

Djokovic will also need to deal with what is certain to be a partisan home audience at the 15,000-capacity Rod Laver Arena.

There is also fear of the unknown – Djokovic and 22nd seed De Minaur have never faced each other before.

“Of course it’s a big challenge playing an Australian guy here in front of his home crowd,” said Djokovic.

“I’m sure the atmosphere will be vibrant and he’ll get a lot of support, and he’ll be motivated to try and win the game.”

Djokovic, who could return to the top of the world rankings if he wins the title, added: “The fact that I’ve never faced him is a challenge for both me and him.”

Also in the men’s draw, having lost six of the top 10 seeds, Russia’s Andrey Rublev took on Danish teenager Holger Rune in a clash between fifth and ninth seeds.

Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut takes on the unseeded Tommy Paul of the United States, while also in the round of 16, Ben Shelton and JJ Wolf face off in an all-American game.

The women’s draw was similarly shaken by a series of shocks.

Belarus’ fifth seed Sabalenka will be hoping she is not another victim against Switzerland’s Bencic.

Both have yet to lose a set in their first Grand Slam of the year, but will have to give something.

4th seed Caroline Garcia of France will beat Magda Linette of Poland.

Also competing was former number one Karolina Pliskova, against China’s Zhang Shuai.

The Czech rising star, Linda Fruhvirtova, is just 17 years old, hoping to polish her elite credentials against Croatia’s Donna Vekic.

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