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Novak Djokovic faces his first real test at the Australian Open tonight when he clashes against known adversary Stanislas Wawrinka in the quarter-finals. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.00pm AEDT.
Djokovic has literally cruised through his opening four matches but he should be pushed hard tonight if his past matches against Wawrinka are anything to go by.
Wawrinka and Djokovic met twice at grand slam tournaments last year, and both matches went to five sets.
Although Djokovic won both of those matches, Wawrinka pushed the Serb all the way at last year’s Australian and US Open, and should be expected to provide stern resistance tonight.
At his best, Wawrinka is a joy to watch on court. Wawrinka’s backhand probably ranks as one of the most lethal and aesthetically pleasing shots on the ATP tour when he’s on song.
Most importantly, it’s a shot that can blow any player off the court, including players like Djokovic.
At last year’s Australian Open, Djokovic lost the first set 6-1 thanks in large to Wawrinka’s devastating backhand.
Wawrinka probably should have been two sets to love up in that particular contest, but fell away late in the second set to allow Djokovic back in the game.
Despite possessing a poor head-to-head record against Djokovic, Wawrinka knows full well that he possesses the form and confidence to trouble the four-time Australian Open champion.
If he hopes to go that extra step and beat Djokovic, however, Wawrinka must avoid going into his shell on the big points like he did at Melbourne park last year.
Wawrinka was a break up in the second set against Djokovic, only to let nerves get the better of him in a crucial stage of the contest.
Djokovic, on the other hand, is ruthless when presented with opportunities to put players to the sword and will show no mercy should Wawrinka present him with chances to break.
Overall, a very entertaining contest awaits between two players that played some of the most memorable matches at grand slam level last year against each other.
While Wawrinka at his best will give Djokovic plenty to think about, the Serb’s big match experience should serve him well yet again.
Djokovic in four sets