Novak Djokovic and Denis Shapovalov are the rivals in the ATP 250 Adelaide quarter-final. Novak and Denis are playing for the eighth time, with a 21-time Major winner seeking his eighth victory over the younger opponent. Novak praised Denis as one of the most complete players on the Tour, praising his abilities. Djokovic and Shapovalov played their previous match at Wimbledon 2021, and the Serb prevailed 7-6, 7-5, 7-5 in two hours and 44 minutes. Shapovalov played well but lost the most decisive points to end his run in the last four. Novak won 11 points more and had the upper hand behind the second serve and in the crucial moments. Shapovalov gave his best to follow Djokovic’s pace, serving for the opening set and fading from the court in the closing stages of sets two and three.
Novak had 32 winners and 15 unforced errors, defending ten out of 11 break chances and securing three breaks that pushed him over the finish line. Shapovalov fired 40 winners and over 30 mistakes, unable to control his strokes more efficiently and keep the focus when it mattered the most. Denis grabbed a break in the opener’s third game after forcing Novak’s mistake. The Canadian delivered three perfect service games to move 5-3 in front and served for the set in game ten. Suddenly, Novak broke back in the last moment to level the score at 5-5 and gain massive momentum. The Serb won the tie break 7-3 after taking all five return points, as Denis spoiled his chances with a double fault in the last point.
Novak Djokovic said nice words about Denis Shapovalov in Adelaide.
Djokovic was under pressure again in the second set. He survived five break chances in games four and six and raised his level. Shapovalov’s serve worked like a charm until he had no room for errors, which was not easy to overwhelm. The Canadian got broken at 5-5 following another costly double fault, and the Serb closed the set a few minutes later for a massive advantage. They both wasted return chances at the beginning of the third set, and it was all about Novak after that, serving well and waiting for an opportunity in Denis’ games. Shapovalov survived at 3-3 but could not in the 11th game, just like in the previous set. Djokovic broke the youngster to open a 6-5 lead and sealed the deal with another impressive hold to book a place in the 30th Major final.
“Denis is one of the most complete players on the Tour. He has a very dynamic style. Denis has a big serve, comes to the net, is comfortable playing at the back of a court, and is a great athlete. It has been a while since I have played him, so I’m looking forward to it. Every match from here gets tougher,” Novak Djokovic said.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login