Despite struggling to move at points during the match due to an injured hamstring, Novak Djokovic beat Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets – 7-6 (9-7) 6-3 6-4 – to reach the last 16 of the Australian Open. It seemed as if injury is no impediment when he broke Dimitrov’s serve in the first game.
Though he was forced to take a medical timeout after winning a grueling tie break, he didn’t give up. After some treatment, Djokovic bounced back and took advantage of Dimitrov’s loose play. He took the second set comfortably.
The spectators witnessed his sensational shots at times. Serving 15 aces, he played some terrific shots. He ended the match with 50 unforced errors. Djokovic’s defense was unshakeable at times. It frustrated Dimitrov time and time again. He broke five serves in the third set and eventually closed out the match to win in straight sets. He is on his hunt for a 22nd grand slam title. He will now face Australian Alex de Minaur in the round of 16. The 23-year-old will have a raucous home crowd behind him.