Novak Djokovic defeat Denis Shapovalov to enter semi-final vs Medvedev in Adelaide International 1

Top seed Novak Djokovic brushed past a challenge from 7th seed Denis Shapovalov in the quarter-final of Adelaide International 1, an ATP 250 tournament in the lead-up to the Australian Open. Djokovic needed just an hour and 55 minutes to beat Shapovalov 6-3, 6-4 in the men's singles last-eight match.

Djokovic was in top gear, largely untroubled by the southpaw whom he had predicted would be a tough opponent. The Serb was good with his first serves as he fended off a fine challenge from Shapovalov, who went toe-to-toe with the 21-time Grand Slam champion, bringing joy to the vocal Adelaide crowd.

3 breaks of serves across two sets was enough for Djokovic to pull through to a victory and extended his head-to-head record over the Canadian to 8-0 on the tour.

Djokovic will face 3rd seed Daniil Medvedev in what promises to be a blockbuster semi-final at the ATP 250 tournament. Djokovic and Medvedev, two players who are known for their stellar defence and ability to turn defence into offence, have met 12 times on the tour with the senior player leading



8-4.

Djokovic lost the US Open final to Medvedev in 2021, but has since beaten the Russian thrice on the trot.

Djokovic survived a scare in the second round against lower-ranked Quentin Halys as he was trailing 2-5 in the first set before sealing a 7-6, 7-6 win. The semi-final against Medvedev will be a fine test for the top seed, who will head to the Australian Open as one of the favourites.

Medvedev, earlier in the day, defeated fellow Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-3 in his men's singles quarter-final. The Russian star is hopeful of a strong campaign in Australia after having finished runner-up at the season's first Grand Slam for two successive years.

“For sure I played well last year and I’m playing well right now,” Medvedev said,

“To be honest, that’s all that matters. In order to win a slam, or be in the final, you have to be at your best for seven matches.”

“I managed to do it once and I was really close last year,” he added. "And that’s what I’m going to try to do again in a few weeks in Melbourne.”