Novak Djokovic teed up a blockbuster Australian Open quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz with a straight-sets defeat of Jiri Lehecka. (Full Coverage | More Tennis News)
Djokovic appeared in the mood to cruise to victory after taking the second set, but he was made to work hard in the third before eventually prevailing 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4).
The Serbian constructed some exceptional points, though Lehecka was particularly strong on serve through the final set.
An early break at the start of the third seemed like it would dent Lehecka's spirits beyond repair, but the world number 29 hit back immediately and held his own from there, saving two break points as Djokovic had to serve to force the tie-break.
Yet, a stunning point at the culmination of a remarkable rally had Djokovic conducting the crowd at Rod Laver Arena.
Big-serving Lehecka fought back to within touching distance, but Djokovic bore down to the net and cushioned a cute volley across the court and out of the Czech's reach.
Lehecka hit the net soon after, sealing Djokovic's progression to a 15th Australian Open quarter-final.
Having again grappled with some heckles바카라 웹사이트from the crowd, the 10-time champion바카라 웹사이트did not give a post-match interview, and that sets up an intriguing sub-plot ahead of his clash with Alcaraz on Tuesday.
Data Debrief: Djokovic delivers... Again
Djokovic is바카라 웹사이트one of the two players during the Open Era to reach the quarter-finals of at least one grand slam바카라 웹사이트in 20 seasons, along with Roger Federer (also 20).
In reaching the last eight at Melbourne Park바카라 웹사이트for the 15th time, the 24-time grand slam winner has also matched Federer's record haul of quarter-final appearances at the season's first slam.
His meeting with Alcaraz will be his 61st quarter-final match at the majors, which is an Open Era record.
