Adelaide International 2023: Novak Djokovic v Denis Shapovalov quarter-final | Semi-final v Daniil Medvedev
Novak Djokovic made a fan’s day, and possibly summer, after prevailing in his Adelaide International quarter-final on Friday night.
The 21-time grand slam champion overcame Canada’s Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 6-4 to set up what promises to be an exhilarating semi-final against former world No.1 Daniil Medvedev on Saturday night.
He was buoyed by a wave of support in his Australian Open tune-up, which included Serbian flags featuring pictures of his face.
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When the Serbian superstar was asked how it felt to have such support, he said he was “proud” and “grateful”.
“We love you!” shouted a member of the crowd.
“Love you, too,” replied Djokovic, who maintains he still loves Australia despite his deportation almost 12 months ago.
“Thank you so much … Julie is a special fan. She travels around the world. Everywhere. Thank you very much, Julie. Love you.”
Djokovic sealed victory over Shapovalov by rushing to the net and volleying the ball, which he placed well out of reach of his young rival.
The win took his undefeated record against Shapovalov to 8-0.
The 35-year-old holds an 8-4 record against Medvedev and has beaten the Russian in their last three clashes.
Djokovic downs Canadian young gun
Djokovic conquered Medvedev in the 2021 Australian Open final but his opponent hit back in the US Open decider later in the year, clinching the only grand slam title of his career yet.
“I’m blessed, really blessed, to still play at this level,” Djokovic said on Friday night.
“I never take any match for granted.
“It feels like playing at home, really, and they make it very special for me. So, I’m very thankful for the support.”
The winner of the Djokovic-Medvedev match will meet the winner of the semi-final between Sebastian Korda and Yoshihito Nishioka, scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
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