Novak Djokovic’s bid for a record eighth title at the Australian Open is rapidly gaining momentum after he eased into the last 16 of the tournament on Friday.
The second seed disposed of Japanese world No.71 Yoshihito Nishioka 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, in emphatic fashion. Throughout his latest clash, Djokovic was impressive behind his serve where he just dropped two points during the first two sets. In total he blasted 16 aces past his opponent and won 43 out of his 46 first service points. It wasn’t until the very last game of the match where he faced a break point, but he was able to save it nonetheless.
“It was definitely one of the best service matches I’ve had lately.” Djokovic said during his on-court interview.
A look at @DjokerNole's impressive serving stats in 3R:
17 aces
74% 1st Serve Pct.
93% 1st Serve Pts. Won (43 of 46)
69% 2nd Serve Pts. Won (11 of 16)
Saved one break point faced#AusOpen— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) January 24, 2020
Through to his 50th fourth round match at grand slam level, Djokovic also produced 40 winners and converted five out of his six break point opportunities. He has now reached the last 16 in Melbourne Park in 13 out of his past 14 appearances.
Djokovic credits his latest performance to the work he conducted throughout the off-season, when he was working on his serve with his camp. According to the Serbian, the key is taking a more simplistic approach and not making things too complicated. A perspective that is hard to argue against with Djokovic currently on a nine-match winning streak since the start of 2020.
“It’s easier said than done. There are always a lot of technical details that you can talk about sometimes, but sometimes less is more.” He explained.
“We (my team) tried to focus on focal things. A few simple indicators. It’s all about rhythm and trying to find the contact point.’
“So far it’s been working really well for me.”
One of the key figures in his camp is coach Goran Ivanisevic. A former Wimbledon champion who joined Team Djokovic last summer. The Croat won 22 titles during his career and reached a ranking high of two in the world. Prior to Djokovic, Ivanisevic also spent stints working alongside Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic.
“I was inspired by my coach Goran Ivanisevic today. I thought of him.” Djokovic said after his latest win.
“We have known each other for a very long time. He was definitely one of my childhood idols.’
“I was training at the Pilic academy in Germany, where he used to spend some time and he was there preparing for Wimbledon during the year he won it back in 2001. I remember hitting a few balls with him and that was a dream come true. ‘
“To have him in the box now is wonderful. He brings a lot of good energy.”
Djokovic will be hoping to continue that good energy into his next match on Sunday. Awaiting him will be Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman. The 14th seed downed Dusan Lajovic 6-2, 6-3, 7-6(7), in his third round match. It is only the second time in Schwartzman’s career he has managed to reach the last 16 in Melbourne.
“He’s one of the quickest players on the tour.” Djokovic assessed of his upcoming opponent.
“Obviously right handed, so I’m going to have to prepare different tactics than I have to today.’
“Hopefully my serve will be as good as it was today because if that is the case then I fell I have a pretty good chance (of winning).”
Djokovic leads Schwartzman 3-0 in their head-to-head.
