Novak Djokovic reaches quarters, ready for a new challenging year
Novak Djokovic is getting ready for another challenging year. The former World No. 1 is preparing for the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open. Novak has tasted a lot of success Down Under. He is the most decorated player in the sport with the greatest number of Grand Slams. The Serb is now looking to add more titles to his name.
Currently, he is competing with some other youngsters for the Brisbane International. This is an ATP 250 tournament that Djokovic has never won in his career. The Brisbane International has reached the last eight stage of the competition. Here is a look at the eight players who made it to the quarters.
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The defending champion makes it to the final eight
There are not many big names in the competition. Novak Djokovic is the favorite to take away this title. However, the defending champion is still there to upset the former world no. 1.
Grigor Dimitrov booked his place in the last eight after a win over Aleksandar Vukic in the last match. Dimitrov took an hour and 23 minutes to wrap up the game. He served 12 aces and won by 6-2 and 7-6.
Dimitrov will face a tough challenge in the form of Jordan Thompson. He defeated Alex Michelsen in the previous round and will be eyeing for an upset in this match.
Tiafoe, Arnaldi’s face shocked exits
Frances Tiafoe has been a big name in the last 3-4 seasons. However, the tennis star fromthe USA has only performed well in the US Open. He has struggled elsewhere and suffered some shock exits from the tournaments.
Tiafoe suffered a round of 16 exit from Brisbane International after going down 4-6 and 6-7 against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Tiafoe was on the receiving end of 20 aces. The 21-year-old Frenchman was on the top of his game. He made it to the last eight.
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Matteo Arnaldi also lost his match to Reilly Opelka, who was 250 ranks behind him in the ATP rankings. Arnaldi lost both sets in a tiebreaker.
Novak Djokovic beats Gael Monfils
In a battle of two veteran tennis players, Novak Djokovic advanced to the last eight with a win. The Serb just took 73 minutes to win the match in two straight sets. He won 6-3 and 6-3 against the current world no. 55. Novak converted three out of the three break points he got. Monfils struggled a bit, especially with his serve as he gave away four double faults.
This win means that Novak Djokovic is still undefeated against Gael Monfils. This was their 20th meeting and Novak has prevailed in every one of them. Their first match was back in 2005 and both are still playing after 20 years of an incredible journey.
Quarter-final fixtures:
Nicolas Jarry vs Jin Lehecka
Jordan Thompson vs Grigor Dimitrov
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs Jakub Mensik
Novak Djokovic vs Reilly Opelka
