Djokovic wins Simon epic to reach quarters

Djokovic hit an unprecedented 100 unforced errors throughout the match – a self-proclaimed record number of mistakes – which spanned a gruelling four hours and 32 minutes before he won 6-3, 6-7, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, reports Xinhua.

But the statistic was testament to Simon’s counter-punching game and proof that his plan to beat Djokovic was sound, if not successful, the Frenchman said.

Although pushing the Serb, Simon was often unable to conjure the killer blows needed on the big points and admitted he was up against it without the power hitting of a player like Stan Wawrinka, who upset five-times Melbourne Park champion Djokovic on the way to the 2014 title.

Djokovic would rush out to a 3-0 lead in the third set but Simon battled back to level, putting the pressure back on Djokovic, who responded with another break to seal it and take a two sets to one lead.

By comparison, Nishikori’s win was a stroll as he crushed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets, and he may fancy his chances against Djokovic after the Serb’s flustered performance against Simon.

“I made a lot of unforced errors today”, said Djokovic, who was clearly exasperated with his uncharacteristic error-toll.

“I was obviously pleased to win the match, but in terms of the performance itself, I haven’t done well at all…” “When you’re playing someone like Simon, he senses that and he makes you play an extra shot”.

During his on-court interview after the match, a spectator shouted, “No more drop-shots!”, to which Djokovic replied directly: “I hate to say it, but you’re absolutely right”.

Simon said the match finally changed when he was serving at 1-2 and 40-15 in the deciding set.

Radwanska and Suarez Navarro both had their nerves tested before being able to set up their quarter-final date. A lot of players will feel better with Novak out of the draw. Physically it was a very demanding match and I’m very glad to get through this one.

Djokovic, who is aiming to win his sixth Australian Open, is through to the quarter-finals for the ninth year in a row, though here too he still trails Federer, who reached 11 consecutive quarter-finals between 2004 and 2014 and yesterday reached his 12th in total. “I felt like I hit a clean ball”.

Federer plays No. 6-seeded Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals. He was taken to five sets for the first time since Wimbledon in July against Kevin Anderson.

“That’s something I have been working on a lot”, Sharapova said.

Meanwhile, in the women’s round, Serena Williams served up a glamour Australian Open quarter-final against arch-rival Maria Sharapova on Sunday as she looks to extend her iron grip over the Russian star.

“You’re always trying to improve”, Sharapova said. “I have gone through many different motions to try to find my groove again and something that would hold up over many matches”. It’s only going to be tougher, especially against Serena.