As temperatures soared to 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic, determined to maintain his 33-match unbeaten streak at Melbourne Park, expressed his commitment ahead of a potentially challenging encounter.
Forecasted to be 10 degrees cooler on Friday, Djokovic is set to face Italian fourth seed Jannik Sinner, who is in top form and eyeing his first Grand Slam title. Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev all started the tournament with an opportunity to claim the top-ranked spot, but Djokovic secured his hold after Carlos Alcaraz’s quarter-final defeat.
Reflecting on his impressive record at Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic emphasized the significance of maintaining his streak, acknowledging the growing expectations and confidence associated with it.
In pursuit of his maiden Grand Slam title, Sinner, at 22, expressed eagerness to face Djokovic in the final stages of the tournament, anticipating a challenging encounter.
Meanwhile, sixth seed Alexander Zverev, after upsetting Alcaraz, is set to face Medvedev in the semi-finals. Zverev acknowledged the difficulty of playing against Medvedev, emphasizing the Russian’s exceptional skills.
Medvedev, reaching his eighth major semi-final, remains focused on clinching his first title, despite being broken 18 times during the tournament. Unconcerned about form, he attributed the high number of breaks to factors like the balls or the court, expressing confidence after securing a spot in the semi-finals.
The Australian Open continues with intense competition, showcasing the determination and skill of the world’s top players.