Novak Djokovic has sent an ominous warning to his Australian Open challengers with a brutal, record-setting straight-sets fourth-round win over Adrian Mannarino.
As he subjected Mannarino to a humiliating 6-0 6-0 6-3 defeat, Djokovic seemed almost offended at being consigned to his first day-time appearance at the Open in three years.
“It’s no secret I love to play at 7pm,” he said after a one-hour, 44-minute cameo.
“But it wasn’t bad at all today. The way I played today, I don’t mind playing in the day.”
The 10-time champion and world No.1 had featured in the prime-time night slot on Rod Laver Arena for his previous 15 matches at the Open, but was asked to play second fiddle to great home hope Alex de Minaur on Sunday.
And he really didn’t seem happy, as he took apart world No.19 Mannarino.
Even at 6-0, 2-0 up, Djokovic fought tooth and nail not to drop a game to the Frenchman, fist-pumping feverishly after saving break point, then celebrating almost as if he’d won the title after holding for a 3-0 advantage.
It was bizarre behaviour to say the least, but emphasised the super Serb’s insatiable appetite to gobble up Margaret Court’s record and capture an unprecedented 25th grand slam singles crown next Sunday.
Even if he doesn’t, the 36-year-old seems to be setting records every time he steps on court these days.
Sunday’s victory vaulted the top seed into an astonishing 58th grand slam-quarter-final, matching the feat of his long-time contemporary and now retired great Roger Federer.
Despite the crushing win, it wasn’t all smooth going for Djokovic, who coughed and spluttered throughout.
The 24-time major winner said he’d been ill during the first week, but Rod Laver – the legend whose name is on the centre-court arena that Djokovic has made his own – on Saturday posed the question: “‘Is he having us on?”
Djokovic had looked vulnerable in unconvincing wins over Dino Prizmic and Alexei Popyrin before raising his game in a straight-sets third-round disposal of 30th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
But the GOAT made a point of reminding his rivals he planned on stepping up his level even further during the second week.
That he did in booking a last-eight date for Tuesday with American world No.12 Taylor Fritz.
Mannarino could at least see the funny side of the thrashing, the 35-year old making two circles with his fingers around his eyes while gesturing to his supporters’ box after losing the first two sets 6-0, 6-0, making mock of the rare ‘triple-bagel’ he’d just copped.
Hamming it up with the crowd after finally breaking through for a game win early in the third set, the Frenchman would be greeted with the biggest cheer of the afternoon, with even Djokovic admitting after the game he was relieved when his run of 13 consecutive games was halted.
“I really wanted to lose that game in the 3rd set,” he laughed.
“The tension was building up so much in the stadium. I just needed to get that one out of the way so I could refocus on what I needed to do to close it out.”
But Djokovic was thrilled with his ruthless display, the world No.1’s victory his 32nd straight at Melbourne Park.
“You always want to be efficient,” Djokovic said.
“You always want to finish the job as soon as possible in a straight set.
“It’s not always possible because obviously you’re playing, as the tournament progresses, tougher opponents.
“But I wasn’t thinking about it. I was kind of going with the flow and the last couple of days has been really good.
“It’s going in a positive direction, health wise, tennis wise, so I’m really pleased with where I am at the moment.”
© AAP
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