Djokovic, Berdych pushed all the way

Published by
Ben Pahor

Tops seeds Novak Djokovic and Tomas Berdych have both survived five set thrillers to advance to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

Berdych, the sixth seed, defeated Spaniard and world No.21 Roberto Bautista Agut 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 to progress to his sixth Australian Open quarterfinal.

Berdych will play the winner of Sunday night's match between No.3 seed Roger Federer and No.15 seed David Goffin.

World No.1 Novak Djokovic was also pushed all the way by No.14 seed Giles Simon. Djokovic hit an uncharacteristic 100 unforced errors compared to just 78 for his first three rounds of the tournament combined.

However, the reigning champion managed to step up when needed for the big points, to record a 6-3 6-7(1) 6-4 4-6 6-3 win over the Frenchman.

Djokovic will now play No.7 seed Kei Nishikori, after his 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win over Jo-Wilfred Tsonga.

 

Published by
Ben Pahor