MELBOURNE (AFP) – Defending champion Novak Djokovic swept past Diego Schwartzman yesterday and into an Australian Open quarter-final with big-serving Milos Raonic as he zeroes in on an eighth Melbourne Park title.
The rampant Serbian second seed was on another level to Schwartzman, the 14th seed, crushing the Argentine 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena to book an 11th appearance in the tournament’s last eight.
Raonic is his next hurdle and the Canadian has also been in fine touch. He is yet to drop a set, blasting past fellow former world No. 3 Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-3, 7-5.
“Milos is one of the tallest, strongest players on tour and has one of the biggest serves,’’ said Djokovic, who is into his 46th Grand Slam quarter-final, second only to Roger Federer’s 57.
“I’ve got to be ready for missiles coming from his side of the net. One key element will be how well I’m returning.’’
The Serb has met 32nd seed Raonic nine times and won them all.
But the Canadian is back to full fitness after years of injury struggles and his powerful serve could cause problems. So far he has served 59 games and won them all.
Asked what he needs to do to beat Djokovic, he replied: “I think I’m going to have to hit more than 35 aces,’’ referring to the number he pumped past 2018 finalist Cilic.
“I think we play quite opposite from each other, and he’s done a good job in the past neutralizing my serve,’’ he added of the Serb.
“So I have really got to focus on my things well and be the one dictating.’’
The Australian Open is Raonic’s favorite Slam.
He reached the semi-finals in 2016, when he lost to Andy Murray, and the quarters on three other occasions, including last year.
His career, though, has been plagued by injuries, with operations over the years for hip, foot, and wrist problems. He has also struggled with back, ankle, calf, and knee issues.
He said it felt “pretty damn good’’ to finally be injury free.
