Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has added his voice to the long list of current and former players asking for the late nights at Grand Slams to become a thing of the past.

[Australian Open](https://www.tennis365.com/category/australian-open/) [News](https://www.tennis365.com/category/news/) I’m just very grateful that I’m actually able to play. [Live Tennis](https://www.tennis365.com/category/live-tennis/) That works for a little bit, then it doesn’t, then works again. [Tennis News](https://www.tennis365.com/category/tennis-news/) For us, it’s really grueling. The way it looked just before the tournament started, I thought that it wouldn’t be possible. “I would agree with his points. That’s the ultimate decision maker. “I think for us players… It’s kind of a circumstances that you have to accept.

Novak Djokovic beat Grigor Dimitrov 7-6 (7), 6-3, 6-4 despite his hamstring injury and will now face the home favourite Alex de Minaur.

“He has improved a lot, has Lleyton [Hewitt] in his corner – that’s a great team.” “De Minaur is one of the quickest players on the tour, the quickest guy,” he said. How to turn a precarious contest into a regulation win, with one heavily taped leg buckling beneath him, as if it is just the normal thing to do? A minute or so before Djokovic was feeling grateful, he and Dimitrov played a 31-point rally until the latter overcooked a shot to give the Serb two match points. Loth to miss out, Dimitrov did the same, mimicking his close friend, who was about to beat him. He was still on Rod Laver Arena, having survived the pain of his troublesome hamstring and then thrived despite it to see off Grigor Dimitrov 7-6 (7), 6-3, 6-4.

Novak Djokovic admitted his hamstring issue is a concern following his third-round win against Grigor Dimitrov at the Australian Open.

I don't know what awaits, but I do hope and I have faith for the best.” “I think I started the match really well, feeling good. The first match was good. I just found a way to win in such an exciting match, big battle, over three hours for three sets,” Djokovic said. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings if he wins a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title in Melbourne, was pleased with how he battled against the 27th seed. However, question marks remain over the Serbian’s fitness as he once again struggled with a hamstring injury.

Down Under, the big topics up top include Novak Djokovic's hamstring as he tries to find his way to a 22nd Grand Slam title.

This all has lent a different tenor to Week 2 and whether he can surpass de Minaur, then perhaps the scary Rublev (who has lost one set), then what would become a staggering 33rd Grand Slam final berth. Even an impressive win over 28th-ranked Dimitrov “kind of went up and down,” a testament to his customary standard given he has lost only one set. He’s the last of the old guard long resisting (and mauling) this young wave, with Federer retired, When Jelena Ostapenko plays Gauff, that pits a player who won the French at 20 (Ostapenko in 2017) against a player who reached the French final at 18 (Gauff in 2022). To a reporter’s question about how it goes with that pain through a match, Djokovic elaborated. When he emerged in Seoul last September to team with fellow South Korean Soonwoo Kwon in doubles, he said to the ATP Tour, “I’m feeling just so happy to play tennis again.” He remains just 26 years old. It ended with Djokovic raving and Chung saying, “Today my dreams come true,” and noting that he might ask for a photo with Djokovic someday. The bandage drapes the left hamstring, whose infirmity might have made Djokovic’s three-set win over Grigor Dimitrov in Saturday’s third round sort of a surprise. His win over Djokovic went 7-6 (7-4), 7-5, 7-6 (7-3). It’s rich in nationality clusters: three Czechs, two Chinese, two Poles, two Belarusians and two Americans (Gauff and Jessica Pegula). [the final 16](https://ausopen.com/draws) of the Australian Open men’s singles draw could entice a cartoonist. 1 (Karolina Pliskova), a marvel whose teen years won’t end until March 2024 (Coco Gauff) and a player even younger (17-year-old Linda Fruhvirtova).

The nine-time champion in Melbourne has been carrying a hamstring issue for two weeks but is still managing to come through his matches, though Becker shut down ...

But Becker claimed that the Serb’s decision to play quicker given his injury could have helped him against the former world No 3. But Djokovic’s former coach Becker was quick to respond to the accusations, claiming that he knew 21-time Grand Slam champion was struggling. The nine-time champion in Melbourne has been carrying a hamstring issue for two weeks but is still managing to come through his matches, though Becker shut down suggestions that Djokovic was physically fine despite admitting that it could appear as though he was “bluffing”. He explained: “Novak is now going for the quick points. The fourth seed safely made it to the second week in Melbourne but has needed multiple medical time outs and hasn’t shied away from admitting that [his thigh was “not good at all”.](/sport/tennis/1723446/Novak-Djokovic-startling-admission-injury-Australian-Open-doubt-tennis-news) But Novak wouldn't behave like that if he had nothing.” Becker’s comments come after Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has added his voice to calls for changes to be made to the Australian Open schedule amid growing concern over player welfare.

That time, those few hours, can make a difference to the players. “If you did that, you could also potentially bring the night sessions slightly earlier, as well, like 6.00 or 6.30. The people who bought ground passes would get to see more of the top players, which would be excellent for them. “You’d still get quality matches during the day. “That would stop the day matches running into the night session starting too late. That’s the ultimate decision-maker.

After brutal scheduling that's seen matches finish as late as 4am, Novak Djokovic has joined the chorus of players and pundits pleading with Australian Open ...

The Scot is calling for changes to the brutal scheduling The Serb has been forced to use multiple injury timeouts during the tournament I'm just very grateful that I'm actually able to play,' Djokovic said. It's kind of a circumstances that you have to accept. That works for a little bit, then it doesn't, then works again. 'It's no secret that I love playing here in my backyard. 'You'd still get quality matches during the day. Whether it's decisive, we know that it's not because it comes down to what the TV broadcasters want to have. That's the ultimate decision maker,' said the Serb. Novak Djokovic reacts after winning a point against Grigor Dimitrov in his win on Saturday night. That that's the most important thing,' Murray said after the loss on Saturday night. You have your sleeping cycle, rhythm disrupted completely, not enough time really to recover for another five-setter.

Novak Djokovic has called on the Australian Open to alter their schedule after late-night finishes became the talk of the tournament when Andy Murray needed ...

“It kind of always starts well in the last few matches, including this one, and then some movement happens and then it gets worse,” he said, describing the issue following his win over Grigor Dimitrov. The Brit pointed out that sleep and rest were essential for players to recover, something Djokovic can agree with as he is dealing with a hamstring injury that is leaving him forced to [resort to using “pills and hot cream”.](/sport/tennis/1724389/Novak-Djokovic-injury-doubts-Australian-Open-withdrawal-tennis-news) It will be his first meeting against the man he And Djokovic explained just how tough it was to recover from a late-night finish, with the Serb knowing better than anyone how important it is to maintain his body while currently struggling with his hamstring. That's the most important thing.” “Whether it's decisive, we know that it's not because it comes down to what the TV broadcasters want to have.

Novak Djokovic has backed calls from Andy Murray for the Australian Open to consider altering its schedule early in tournaments to avoid any more 4 a.m. ...

I would also argue it's not good for the sport, anyone involved in it," he said. The people who bought ground passes would get to see more of the top players, which would be excellent for them. "I would agree with Murray's points. finishes, with the nine-time Melbourne champ declaring "something needs to be addressed" to ensure players are in the best condition possible for Slam tennis. You'd still get quality matches during the day. Following his third-round loss to [Roberto Bautista Agut](https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=1733), the Brit said there were "some simple things" which could be done to fix the issue.

'Type of guy that could cause Novak problems': Tennis legend's huge Demon upset call.

The difference between De Minaur and the fiery Kyrgios is stark. His best performance at a Grand Slam was the US Open quarter-finals in 2020. “I’ve known him for a long time and I know that he has problems with his thigh. That also makes it difficult for the opponent. “Overall, I’m getting better. “Novak is now going for the quick points. The type of guy that could cause Novak problems if he’s not 100 percent.” It just seems like he’s able to rise to the occasion. But Novak wouldn’t behave like that if he had nothing.” “Sometimes you think he’s bluffing or can’t finish the game. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo.

That's the verdict of eight-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander, who warned the Serbian could be upset in the tournament's second week. Rafael Nadal and a ...

[Australian Open](https://www.tennis365.com/category/australian-open/) He is the best player though for sure.” [Tennis News](https://www.tennis365.com/category/tennis-news/) “In the end, will their legs hold on? [News](https://www.tennis365.com/category/news/) Any of these guys can take Novak the distance. “They’re hitting the ball so hard and anyone can beat anyone these days. I guess you’d say it’s Novak over the field but we’re assuming things that have been going on and it’s very unfair to assume it’s his to lose. But the common player who works really hard might not have the same feel but they get away with it when the balls are heavier and fluffier. “Maybe the balls are also an issue. [Boris Becker on claims Novak Djokovic is ‘bluffing’ with Australian Open injury](https://www.tennis365.com/australian-open/becker-djokovic-injury-fake-bluff/) You’d like to think are heavy meaning they’re soft and they get fluffy very quickly.

Novak Djokovic's team were spotted passing him a 'secret note' during his match at the Australian Open. Read more here.

Serbian tennis champion Novak Djokovic's brave run to the Australian Open finals with an injured leg has been tempered by fresh accusations he could have ...

'Hard to believe people are that stupid to think any athlete would take a banned substance where thousands of spectators and cameras can see you. Stars are allowed to communicate verbally with their team only when they're on the same side of the court. Another member of Djokovic's team used his back to try and obscure vision of what was going on. A member of Djokovic's team gives the bottle with the freshly attached label to a tournament official to hand to him during play in round two of the Australian Open Djokovic has been secretive about his bottles of 'magic potion' in the past and has been questioned about the use of mystery liquids three times in six months His team are seen putting a label on the water bottle before giving it to a tournament official to hand to Djokovic on court.

Novak Djokovic has become embroiled in a fresh water bottle drama at the Australian Open. A video of the nine-time champion and his court-side team is going ...

I am going to keep going and try and play and compete. “I have two choices – to leave or to keep going. My physio and medical team has been doing everything possible so that I can be able to play every match.

On paper, this evening's match between Novak Djokovic and Alex de Minaur should go the way of the nine-time Australian Open champion. But Djokovic is facing ...

I don't know what awaits, but I do hope and I have faith for the best." That's probably the difference." I played some big Aussie players, so I know how that feels. The second match I struggled a lot. "So the first match was good. So far this Australian Open, the Serb has only dropped one set.

The Aussie star is refusing to be distracted by Novak Djokovic's injury drama ahead of their Australian Open showdown. Details here.

Novak Djokovic breezes past Australian Alex de Minaur in straights to book himself a spot in the quarter finals.

- 40-30: Djokovic just misses a forehand down the line. De Minaur finds the net again. - Game: A mistake on the backhand of Djokovic gives de Minaur the game. De Minaur failed to keep his backhand down. - Game: There's the double break. - Adv Djokovic: Despite the support from the crowd, de Minaur finds himself in another vulnerable position. De Minaur is finding it hard to hit the right areas of the court. - 0-30: Mini-break for the 'Demon', following an errant forehand by Djokovic. - 40-30: The pressure and stakes looks like it has gotten to the Aussie. - Game: Djokovic wanting to finish this off quickly. - 40-40: Missed opportunity from the 23-year-old. Big first serve brings up a seamless victory for the champion.

Novak Djokovic reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open on Monday when he defeated Australian Alex de Minaur.

[Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview), equalling his longest streak of victories at the hard-court major. [Novak Djokovic](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/novak-djokovic/d643/overview)’s fitness throughout the first week of the [Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview). 24 De Minaur was aiming to reach the quarter-finals in Melbourne for the first time, having dropped just one set en route to the fourth round. The Serbian has produced his best tennis at Melbourne Park throughout his career, lifting the Earlier this month, he won his 92nd tour-level crown at an ATP 250 in Adelaide. After winning the opener, the fourth seed continued to time the ball well. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings if he wins the title. Things can change in a matter of moments, matter of points. 1 moved freely to dispatch the Australian 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 and reach the quarter-finals in Melbourne. After breaking serve in the first set, I started feeling more free and more loose to hit through the ball and be more aggressive. "I really wanted to win in straight sets," Djokovic said. In a dominant display, the former World No.

Novak Djokovic was in imperious form once again as he cruised past Alex de Minaur in straight sets to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals.

De Minaur finally ended Djokovic’s run of nine straight games, holding serve at 0-5 down in the second set to avoid a bagel. I was feeling good in the first match, not so great in the second, so I don’t take anything for granted, but I was happy with the way I moved today and the way I hit the ball.” But it was only delaying the inevitable as Djokovic quickly closed out the final set 6-2. You have to deal with a lot of things on and off the court. Obviously, you never know what’s going to happen on the court. The world No.

'Because I wanted to': Djokovic's brutal admission amid big injury news as Demon heartbroken.

“I started feeling, I guess more loose, more free to kind of go through the ball and be more aggressive. I felt maybe he was a bit more nervous towards the end of the second and beginning of the first. “I’m really pleased with the way I played and the way I moved today. The way I hit the ball. Once you’re on the court obviously you’ve got to deal with a lot of things that are on and off the court. “I don’t want to celebrate too early.

Novak Djokovic shows NO sign of any hamstring concerns in demolition of hometown hero Alex de Minaur at the Australian Open... as the nine-time champion books ...

‘A week ago I didn't really think about the title, I just thought about being in a good enough condition to play the next match. By contrast Djokovic was through in barely two hours, with a total absence of histrionics. My best tennis of the year. Moreover, there was no sign of the hamstring injury in Djokovic which has required running repairs in the previous rounds, and had other members of the locker room scratching their heads at the extent of it. Novak Djokovic shows NO sign of any hamstring concerns in demolition of hometown hero Alex de Minaur at the Australian Open... ‘I think everyone's kind of seeing what's been happening over the couple weeks.