Novak Djokovic overcomes stiff Daniil Medvedev challenge to reach Australian Open 2019 quarter-finals

Novak Djokovic struck back for the old guard at the Australian Open on Monday, soaking up the pressure from a willing Daniil Medvedev before battling to a 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3 win to reach his 10th quarter-final at Melbourne Park.

The night after Roger Federer was stunned by Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas, there was another sniff of an upset at Rod Laver Arena as 22-year-old Medvedev shook the Serb with a furious assault of power hitting.

Yet the Russian wearied in the constant attrition, and top seed Djokovic ultimately cruised to victory, having passed easily his biggest test at the tournament.

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The world No. 1 will continue his bid for a hat-trick of grand-slam titles and a record seventh at Melbourne Park against eighth seed Kei Nishikori.

Earlier on Monday, Nishikori was involved in an epic battle against Pablo Carreno Busta, eventually coming through 6-7, 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, 7-6 after 5hr 5min.

Report via Reuters

1:50PM

Novak speaks

Jim Courier asks Novak how he's feeling after that. Djokovic replies:

1:44PM

Game, set and match! Djokovic defeats Medvedev 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3

Djokovic can see the finish line now. He bullets a backhand return winner up the line to earn himself three match points at 0-40. Medvedev serves big to save the first two, but Djokovic whips away an inside-out forehand winner on the third.

That's it - Djokovic is through after 3hr 16 min. He'll play Kei Nishikori in Wednesday's quarter-final.  

1:41PM

Djokovic 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 5-3 Medvedev* (*next server)

A frail-looking Djokovic is bullied again on the first couple of points to fall down 0-30. Good response to boss the next couple of points with his forehand for 30-30. Another forehand winner makes it 40-30, before Medvedev comes roaring back with a winner of his own for deuce. Medvedev enjoying a real second wind here. He's not enjoying himself much though when Djokovic holds, and Medvedev is given a code violation for slamming his racket four times during the game.

Medvedev will serve to stay in the match. 

1:33PM

Djokovic* 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 4-3 Medvedev (*next server)

If he is about to lose this match, Medvedev is certainly going out with a bang. He thunders away a show-stopping forehand winner en route to a confident hold to 15.

1:31PM

Djokovic 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 4-2 Medvedev* (*next server) - Djokovic saves a break point and holds

Feeling like he has nothing to lose, Medvedev is starting to wallop the ball at every opportunity. From 40-15 down he battles back to deuce, and all of a sudden Djokovic is missing a lot of first serves. More brutal hitting from Medvedev then forces Djokovic long and brings up break point. Can Medvedev claim an unlikely break back? Not this time. Djokovic saves it with a polished crosscourt forehand winner. A beautiful Djokovic lob then helps him complete the hold. He's two games away, as the match clock ticks into its fourth hour.

1:22PM

Djokovic* 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 3-2 Medvedev (*next server)

Really poor game from Djokovic allows Medvedev to hold to 15. Djokovic has been way short of his best today, but it looks like he'll do enough to get the job done .

1:19PM

Djokovic 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 3-1 Medvedev* (*next server)

Djokovic blares a couple of uncharacteristic forehand errors for 30-30, but Medvedev is fading badly and responds with a couple of misses of his own. Djokovic holds to 30, and is three games away from the quarter-finals.

1:15PM

Djokovic* 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 2-1 Medvedev (*next server) - Djokovic breaks

Medvedev is fighting so, so hard. But Djokovic is at his masochistic best, moving Medvedev around like a marionette. Medvedev erroneously challenges a Djokovic forehand when down break point. The ball was in, the break is Djokovic's and Medvedev slumps to his chair at the change of ends and asks for some more treatment.

1:10PM

Djokovic 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 1-1 Medvedev* (*next server) - Djokovic saves a break point and holds

Djokovic all of a sudden looks a little uncertain, making a couple of errors to go down 0-30. Medvedev returns the favour with a pair of mistakes for 30-30, before a netted Djokovic half-volley makes it break point at 30-40. Medvedev desperately tries to seize the opportunity, but it's Djokovic who wins the point after an umpteenth brutal baseline exchange. Djokovic eventually holds.

1:03PM

Djokovic* 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 0-1 Medvedev (*next server)

Medvedev went off for a bathroom break, but has returned for the start of the second set. What has he got left?

A fair bit, it seems. That's much better from Medvedev, slamming down a 17th ace en route to a love hold.

12:58PM

Djokovic 6-4, 6-7, 6-2 Medvedev* (*next server) - Third set Djokovic

Yep, Medvedev has definitely checked out this set. He tries some ridiculous shots and Djokovic holds easily to 15.

12:54PM

Djokovic* 6-4, 6-7, 5-2 Medvedev (*next server) - Djokovic breaks

Medvedev appears to have given up on this set. He falls down 0-40, and Djokovic eventually breaks to 30. Djokovic will serve for a two sets to one lead.

What a turnaround since Medvedev held three break points up 2-1.

12:50PM

Djokovic 6-4, 6-7, 4-2 Medvedev* (*next server)

Djokovic consolidates the break with a love hold. Medvedev looks cooked, but then again he sort of has done since the first set.

12:48PM

Djokovic* 6-4, 6-7, 3-2 Medvedev (*next server) - Djokovic breaks

It would be so Djokovic to break now after fending off those break points. He earns himself a break point at 30-40 with a rolled forehand pass, but can't take it after dumping a backhand slice into the net. Outrageous defence earns him a second one though, and this time Medvedev miscues a backhand way wide. What a huge couple of games the last two might turn out to be.

12:40PM

Djokovic 6-4, 6-7, 2-2 Medvedev* (*next server) - Djokovic saves three break points and holds

Awkward moments for Djokovic, who lands awkwardly at the net to go down 0-15 and nets a backhand for 0-30. Medvedev then earns himself three break points at 0-40 when a bizarre squash-style return draws a forehand into the net from Djokovic. Medvedev has the chance for a break to love but after chasing down a drop shot can only find the net. Djokovic then saves the second break point with a service winner. Third time lucky for Medvedev? No! Vintage defiance from Djokovic sees him keep his opponent at bay and flick away a forehand winner. Djokovic eventually holds. He's far from his best here, but Djokovic is clinging on. 

The winner of this incidentally will next face the No. 8 seed Kei Nishikori, who has fought back from two sets down to outlast Pablo Carreno Busta 6-7, 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, 7-6 in 5hr  5min.

12:32PM

Djokovic* 6-4, 6-7, 1-2 Medvedev (*next server)

Medvedev does superbly to outlast Djokovic in another seemingly endless rally for 40-30. Djokovic forces deuce, but Medvedev holds on.

12:27PM

Djokovic 6-4, 6-7, 1-1 Medvedev* (*next server)

Medvedev is showing his opponent that he's feeling just fine physically, chasing down yet another drop shot for 30-30. Medvedev makes errors on the next two points though to allow Djokovic to hold.

12:23PM

Djokovic* 6-4, 6-7, 0-1 Medvedev (*next server)

Djokovic had a point for a 6-4, 5-1 lead. Now he finds himself down 6-4, 6-7, 0-1 as Medvedev holds assertively to 15.

12:17PM

Djokovic 6-4, 6-7 Medvedev* (*next server) - Second set Medvedev

Medvedev has done it! Another epic exchange ends with Djokovic netting a forehand. On the fourth set point, Medvedev finally stumbles over the line.

He wins the tie-break 7-5, and after 1hr 49 min we're level at one-set all. 

12:15PM

Second set tie-break: Djokovic* 5-6 Medvedev (*next server)

Medvedev, tight as a drum, double faults! He's missed three set points!

12:14PM

Second set tie-break: Djokovic 4-6 Medvedev* (*next server)

The second set point comes and goes, as Djokovic nails a backhand winner up the line.

12:14PM

Second set tie-break: Djokovic 3-6 Medvedev* (*next server)

Djokovic saves the first set point with a booming forehand up the line.

12:13PM

Second set tie-break: Djokovic* 2-6 Medvedev (*next server)

A duffed Djokovic drop shot hands Medvedev four set points.

12:12PM

Second set tie-break: Djokovic* 2-5 Medvedev (*next server)

Brutal hitting from Medvedev extends his lead and takes him to within two points of levelling the match.

12:12PM

Second set tie-break: Djokovic 2-4 Medvedev* (*next server)

Medvedev again is the aggressor and should win the point. But Djokovic keeps himself alive and eventually earns himself an easy backhand pass. Back to just the one mini-break.

12:11PM

Second set tie-break: Djokovic 1-4 Medvedev* (*next server)

Double fault from Djokovic hands Medvedev the double mini-break!

12:10PM

Second set tie-break: Djokovic* 1-3 Medvedev (*next server)

Medvedev has a chance for the double mini-break but he wildly sends a forehand well wide.

12:09PM

Second set tie-break: Djokovic* 0-3 Medvedev (*next server)

Djokovic pushes a backhand long, and he's still to win a point in the breaker.

12:09PM

Second set tie-break: Djokovic 0-2 Medvedev* (*next server)

Djokovic blares a forehand wide to extent Medvedev's lead.

12:08PM

Second set tie-break: Djokovic 0-1 Medvedev* (*next server)

A metronomic 42-shot rally to kick off the breaker goes Medvedev's way, as a net cord loops a Djokovic backhand right into his hitting zone. A forehand down the line takes the point and with it the instant mini-break.

12:05PM

Djokovic* 6-4, 6-6 Medvedev (*next server) - Tie-break

Brilliant effort from Medvedev to somehow keep himself in another epic exchange and draw a missed Djokovic volley for 30-15. Djokovic turns the tables on the next point, however, and hustles Medvedev into a missed backhand to make it 30-30. Medvedev earns a game point with a big serve, but a woeful drop shot has us at deuce. Medvedev eventually holds. It's a second set tie-break. 

12:00PM

Djokovic 6-4, 6-5 Medvedev* (*next server)

Wobbly moments for Djokovic here. He's spraying his forehand and finds himself down 15-30. Another epic rally ensues, and this time it's Medvedev who cracks - whipping a forehand just wide at the end of a 33-stroke rally for 30-30. Exhausting tennis taking place on Rod Laver Arena. Medvedev then lines up another howitzer but his backhand flies onto the top of the tape. Djokovic does enough with a volley to seal the hold on the next point, and Medvedev will serve to stay in the set for a second time. 

11:54AM

Djokovic* 6-4, 5-5 Medvedev (*next server)

Medvedev has found a second wind from somewhere. Djokovic attempts another drop shot, but again Medvedev is equal to it for 40-15. A bullet serve confirms the hold.

11:50AM

Djokovic 6-4, 5-4 Medvedev* (*next server)

Djokovic stops the rot with a love hold that takes barely longer than a minute. Federer-esque. Medvedev will serve to stay in the second set.

11:48AM

Djokovic* 6-4, 4-4 Medvedev (*next server)

Medvedev couldn't consolidate the break in the first set, but he does so here. Djokovic pulls a forehand wide and it's a hold to 15. Medvedev answers Djokovic's three straight games with three of his own. 

11:46AM

Djokovic 6-4, 4-3 Medvedev* (*next server) - Medvedev breaks back

After being completely outplayed this set, out of nowhere Medvedev has a break-point chance at 30-40 after Djokovic nets a backhand. And he takes it! What a crazy point. Djokovic thinks he's done enough with a drop shot, but Medvedev hares after it and digs the ball back. Djokovic parries with a volley, but Medvedev fights off the burning lactic acid in his legs and loops away a backhand pass down the line. Djokovic gestures to break his racket but thinks better of it. Somehow, we're back on serve.

11:41AM

Djokovic* 6-4, 4-2 Medvedev (*next server) - Medvedev saves a break point and holds

Medvedev has a chance to stop the rot at 40-30, but he hits a backhand sadly into the net. Djokovic is toying with his opponent now, earning a break point with a drop shot after spotting that Medvedev was retreating to the baseline. Medvedev comes up with three massive serves though to fend Djokovic off and dig out the hold.

11:36AM

Djokovic 6-4, 4-1 Medvedev* (*next server)

Medvedev looks knackered, and so Djokovic just tightens his grip on his opponent's neck a little tighter. A hold to 15 makes it three games in a row for the six-time champion.

11:33AM

Djokovic* 6-4, 3-1 Medvedev (*next server) - Djokovic breaks

After missing those five break points in the previous game, Djokovic makes no mistake this time. He earns the break point with a backhand winner and then draws an error from Medvedev at the end of a 40-stroke rally. Medvedev is down on his haunches, exhausted after another gruelling exchange.

11:28AM

Djokovic 6-4, 2-1 Medvedev* (*next server)

Great defence from both players sees Djokovic eventually move up to 40-30 when Medvedev blares a forehand long. Djokovic secures the hold on the next point with a clever drop shot. You feel that Medvedev needs to develop that sort of variety if he wants to make the step up to grand-slam contender.

11:24AM

Djokovic* 6-4, 1-1 Medvedev (*next server) - Medvedev saves five break points and holds

Medvedev is on the ropes here, but a clever body serve fends off a break point at 30-40. Djokovic then drop shots his way to a second break point that Medvedev saves with an excellent backhand. A third break point comes and goes, this time saved with an ace down the T. Djokovic earns a fourth break point after nailing a forehand at the end of a marathon rally. Medvedev saves it with another T ace. There's then some great sportsmanship from Djokovic, who concedes the point after a Medvedev serve is erroneously called out. He's less charitable on the next point, however, flicking away a nifty forehand pass to force another deuce. Medvedev then makes a mess of a smash and it's a fifth break point of the game for Djokovic. It looks as though Djokovic will finally get the break, but Medvedev pinches a 31-shot rally after chasing down a drop shot and ultimately guiding a forehand into the open court. Two missed forehands from Djokovic later, and Medvedev clings onto his serve after more than 12 minutes.

11:10AM

Djokovic 6-4, 1-0 Medvedev* (*next server)

Love hold for Djokovic. Medvedev needs to be careful this doesn't run away from him.

11:08AM

Djokovic* 6-4 Medvedev (*next server) - First set Djokovic

Medvedev looks like he'll complete the mini-comeback by levelling at 5-5 when he gets to 40-15. But there's no-one better at rescuring these sort of situations than Djokovic. He toughs out two long rallies for deuce, and a Medvedev double fault presents him with a set point. Can he take it? Indeed he can. Medvedev is lured to the net and loops up a volley that Djokovic can gratefully stride forward and flick away for an easy winner.

Djokovic takes the first set after 39 minutes. 

11:02AM

Djokovic 5-4 Medvedev* (*next server) - Medvedev breaks back

Medvedev maintains the momentum of the previous game, bullying Djokovic with his revitalised backhand to earn three break back points at 0-40.  Djokovic saves the first, but Medvedev again comes through a 20+ shot rally and secures the break when Novak nets a backhand. We're back on serve in the first set. 

10:58AM

Djokovic* 5-3 Medvedev (*next server)

Much better game from Medvedev, serving accurately and nailing his groundstrokes. An ace seals a love hold. Djokovic will serve for the first set. 

10:55AM

Djokovic 5-2 Medvedev* (*next server)

Medvedev again battles to deuce, but again he can't grab the break. The backhand is starting to falter, and Djokovic is exploiting it ruthlessly.

Medvedev will serve to stay in the first set. 

10:51AM

Djokovic* 4-2 Medvedev (*next server) - Djokovic breaks

Having had a break point in Djokovic's service game, Medvedev gives up the 'boomerang break' in the very next game. Medvedev just can't get on top of the rallies all of a sudden, and eventually he's hustled into make a few groundstroke errors to concede a break to 15.

10:46AM

Djokovic 3-2 Medvedev* (*next server) - Djokovic saves a break point and holds

Sloppy from Djokovic. He nets consecutive forehands to fall down a break point at 30-40. It's an early chance for Medvedev, but Djokovic saves it with a brilliant volley on the stretch. Novak eventually holds after an ace down the T.

10:41AM

Djokovic* 2-2 Medvedev (*next server)

Brilliant level from Medvedev this game. Two brilliant backhands and a pair of aces take him to a hold to 30 having trailed 15-30. Both men look seriously up for this.

10:37AM

Djokovic 2-1 Medvedev* (*next server)

Really assertive serving from Djokovic in the early stages. He holds to love, with Medvedev barely getting his racket to the ball. I wonder if Medvedev claiming pre-match that Djokovic isn't the player he once was has made him even more fired up than usual.

10:33AM

Djokovic* 1-1 Medvedev (*next server)

A 35-shot rally surprisingly goes Medvedev's way for 15-0 after Djokovic eventually cracks and nets a forehand. So used to seeing Novak win those long points. Medvedev then slams down three service winners to hold to love.

10:30AM

Djokovic 1-0 Medvedev* (*next server)

Confident start from Djokovic, flicking away a few forehands en route to an easy hold to 15.

10:29AM

Ready? Play

Djokovic to serve first.

10:16AM

Game set and match Williams

Serena has just won an epic contest against Simona Halep 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, so taking to the Rod Laver Arena shortly will be Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev.

9:02AM

Match preview

Daniil Medvedev enjoyed a rush of confidence on Saturday after securing his first appearance in the last 16 of a Grand Slam and the Russian tyro hopes to ride it to an unlikely victory over top seed Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.

The 22-year-old Muscovite crushed former world number seven David Goffin 6-2 7-6(3) 6-3 of Belgium at Melbourne Arena and now heads into the biggest match of his career feeling he is playing with house money.

Like many of his generation, Medvedev grew up watching Djokovic battling 'Big Four' rivals for Grand Slam trophies and has huge respect for the Serb's record and reputation.

Yet he also believes the 31-year-old is not quite the player he was, even as the world number one bids for a third major title in succession.

"...what I can only say is that probably he is not playing as he was before," 15th seed Medvedev told reporters.

"Or that’s just (my) feeling. Because before, when he was young, I was just watching on TV but it was just something insane when he was playing Andy (Murray) or somebody for five hours and you couldn’t see one down (level), it was only up.

"It’s not the same right now, you always have chances to beat him.

"That’s why he lost three times to 'Next Gen' players last year and I’m going to try to find my chances."

Medvedev may study Alexander Zverev's upset win over the Serb at the season-ending World Tour Finals, or seek inspiration from compatriot Karen Khachanov who downed Djokovic at the Paris Masters in a major upset.

Twenty-year-old Greek trailblazer Stefanos Tsitsipas also dumped Djokovic out of the Montreal Masters.

Medvedev has played him twice, losing in straight sets at Eastbourne in 2017 but took a set off the 14-times Grand Slam champion before retiring during a Davis Cup tie the same year.

"I don’t know if he was in a worse moment (at the time)," Medvedev said.

"I managed to give him some fight, even if I lost two times. I've improved a lot since then.

"I think what is good about Novak is he gives you time.

"It’s not like Roger (Federer) who takes the ball early, or like (Milos) Raonic when you know you’re going to run like crazy for all the match."