Djokovic fends off Grigor Dimitrov to book his spot in the round of 16

Djokovic defeats Dimitrov to book round of 16 spot

AUSTRALIAN OPEN Djokovic fends off Grigor Dimitrov to book his spot in the round of 16

Funmilayo Fameso 13:54 - 21.01.2023

Novak Djokovic continues his bid for a 22nd Grand Slam title, defeating Grigor Dimitrov for a spot in the round of 16.

Despite a bothersome hamstring injury, Novak Djokovic still got the job done against Grigor Dimitrov 7-6(7) 6-3 6-4 to book his spot in the round of 16 - a record fifteen times.

The Serbian had the first break in the opening game of the match, forcing Dimitrov to several errors and overplay his forehand.

Novak Djokovic overcame his hamstring injury scare to reach the round of 16

However, he bounced back and saved three set points and then a break, but Djokovic bailed himself out saving the set point with big serves and holds forcing a tiebreak. A relentless effort from Djokovic in the tiebreak secured the first set for him 7-6(7).

Both players started the second set with some good tennis, though Djokovic's prowess was more domineering and he won it 6-3.

Dimitrov played some good tennis in the third set but Djokovic proved too resilient

The 21 Grand Slam winner began the third set with a break in the opening game, again forcing Dimitrov to numerous errors. In full control, Djokovic goes a double break up, but Dimitrov gets one break back fighting to stay in the game.

He gets another break back after some grueling rallies in the game, with the Serbian leading 4-2. The Bulgarian holds to love backing up the break, and still a break down, he keeps himself in touch at 4-3.

The 35-year-old will leave no room for a fourth set, sealing the game 6-3.

A good match from Dimitrov, but he messed up many of the big points, having 50 unforced errors.

Djokovic will now face homeboy, Alex De Minaur in the round of 16. De Minaur will fancy his chances after his win against Rafael Nadal at the United Cup.

Ben Shelton reaches the round of 16 in a stiff encounter with Alexei Popyrin

In his second Grand Slam tournament and his first at the Australian Open, Ben Shelton qualified for the round of 16 beating Aussie, Alexei Popyrin 6-3 7-6(5) 6-4.

Ben Shelton qualified for his first ever round of 16 at a Grand Slam

The 20-year-old only just made his ATP Tour debut last year and turned pro in August. It is also his first trip outside the USA, he's surely a special one for the future and his first of many Grand Slam second weeks.

Meanwhile, Tommy Paul reached the second week of a major for the second time in his career, after beating Jenson Brooksby in straight sets of 6-1 6-4 6-3.

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