(Adelaide) The Canadian Denis Shapovalov has an appointment with the Serbian Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals of the Adelaide International Tennis.
Hours after Shapovalov’s 6-4, 6-3 victory over Russian Roman Safiullin, Djokovic needed two tiebreakers to eliminate Frenchman Quentin Halys 7-6(3), 7-6(5) Thursday.
Like other top-ranked players on the ATP Tour, Djokovic signed up for the Adelaide International to prepare for the Australian Open, which kicks off January 16 in Melbourne.
Djokovic was unable to participate in the first Grand Slam tournament of the calendar year, in 2022, because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19.
This year, he was admitted to Australia, where virus restrictions have been eased.
After the match, tournament favorite Djokovic paid tribute to his 26-year-old rival.
“It was a great performance from my opponent today. I want to congratulate him on some great quality tennis and a great battle. He was unlucky, but he played like a top 10 player.
Djokovic pointed out that he is still trying to find all the feelings of his game.
PHOTO BRENTON EDWARDS, AGENCY FRANCE-PRESSE Novak Djokovic
“Two tiebreakers were probably the most realistic score of today’s game, and I’m just happy to have overcome this difficult challenge,” said the Serb.
Djokovic has a perfect 7-0 career record against Shapovalov, with five of those wins coming on hard courts.
However, the Ontario tennis player may have gained some confidence after helping Canada triumph over Australia in the Davis Cup Finals in November.
“Last year we started by winning the ATP Cup and ended by winning the Davis Cup. It’s clear that the team events worked for me last year,” said Shapovalov.
“I’m definitely trying to replicate that on the individual side as well, and so far it’s been a good start. »
On the women’s side, former world number one Victoria Azarenka beat Zheng Qinwen 6-2, 7-5 to earn her ticket to the quarter-finals. In the next round, she will battle Czech Linda Noskova, who defeated American Claire Liu 6-2, 6-2.
Djokovic resigned to missing U.S. tournaments due to vaccine status
Novak Djokovic said he was resigned on Thursday that he might miss more tournaments in the United States this season due to his refusal to get a coronavirus shot.
The former world No.1 is expected to miss the prestigious tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami after the American authorities have planned to extend in time the obligation for international visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“I’ve seen it, but I don’t think it’s official yet, so when it’s official we can talk about it,” said the 21-time Grand Slam winner from Serbia.
“You know my position, so that’s it,” he replied when reporters at a press conference referred to this recent statement by the US Transportation Security Administration ( ASD).
“I hope I can play, but if I can’t go, I can’t go,” the 35-year-old added.
PHOTO LOREN ELLIOTT, REUTERS Novak Djokovic
The TSA has reportedly decided to extend the ban on unvaccinated non-US citizens from entering the United States until April, with the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells taking place from March 6 to 19 and that of Miami from March 19 to April 2.
Last year, Djokovic was unable to play at U.S. tournaments, including Indian Wells and Miami in the spring, and the U.S. Open in late August due to his vaccination status.
He was expelled from Australia in January ahead of the Australian Open for the same reason.
Djokovic was initially banned from entering Australia for three years after losing a legal battle, but the requirement for visitors to show proof of vaccinations has since been lifted and the ban on him lifted.
Discussing his setbacks in Australia last week, Djokovic said: “You can’t forget those events. It’s one of those things that sticks with you, sticks with you for the rest of your life.”
“It’s something I’ve never experienced before, and I hope it never happens again,” said “Nole.”
With 4820 points in the ATP ranking, the Serb slipped to 5e global place. In the event of a double package, Djokovic would give up on the 2000 points promised to the winner of the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments.
The Belgrade native won back-to-back titles in 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
