World no. 1
Novak Djokovic is through to his 12th
Australian Open quarter-final, beating
Milos Raonic 7-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 in just under three hours.
Experiencing an abdomen injury against Taylor Fritz in the previous round, Novak wasn't sure about playing against Raonic, entering the court and giving his best to prevail in four sets and remain on the title course. Like always against Milos, Novak had the upper hand from the baseline, waiting for his chances on the return patiently.
The Serb couldn't score a break in the opening two sets, and it was all about him in the third and fourth, serving well and stealing Milos's serve thrice to cross the finish line. Tim Henman praised the Serb and his performance, saying that the third set was crucial in his victory, as it gave him momentum that Raonic couldn't follow.
Novak will face Alexander Zverev in the quarter-final on Tuesday, hoping to recover and give his best against a dangerous opponent.
"As is so often the case, Novak raised his game when he had to give the answers. For me, that third set was going to be critical. Once he went up two sets to one, you felt he was in the driving seat. He will be very pleased to finish that off in four sets. With Raonic's type of game, he has to accept I don't want to be this perfect all-round player, and I've just got to risk because every other tactic hasn't worked. Djokovic was able to find those solutions," Tim Henman said.