Novak Djokovic avoided Ben Shelton, but Adrian Mannarino—who simply won't go away—could be a test
Before each day’s play in Melbourne, we’ll preview three must-see matches.
Novak Djokovic vs. Adrian Mannarino
This 35-year-old Frenchman just won't go away, no matter how hard his opponents try. With three five-set victories in three rounds, he’s knocked out veteran star Stan Wawrinka and rising star Ben Shelton.
Could he do it again, against Djokovic?
Djokovic hasn't cruised to this point, dropping a set in his first two matches. But after a three-set win over Tomás Martín Etcheverry, the Serbian is feeling his rhythm, keeping his head down and locked in heading into week two.
The momentum Mannarino is carrying into this matchup will make him even harder to break down. Mannarino is prepared to go the distance to give world No. 1 a run for the title, but surely, if necessary, Djokovic is as well.
Alex de Minaur vs. Andrey Rublev
de Minaur has been riding the beautiful tide of straight-set wins into the Round of 16. Although an argument could be might not be adequately prepared for the second half of the draw, since he hasn’t had to battle it out, he’s surely more energized than his opponent as he’s spent fewer hours on court.
That opponent, Rublev, has looked great after postively edging Thiago Seyboth Wild in the first round. With straight-set wins over Chris Eubanks and Sebastian Korda, the Russian is looking to make his tenth quarterfinal appearance at a major (he's 0-9 at that point).
Will Rublev really let a newly inducted Top 10 player get in the way of another chance to overcome his major hurdle?
Amanda Anisimova vs. Aryna Sabalenka
Speaking of riding beautiful tides, both the American and the No. 2 seed are rolling, both advancing to the fourth round in six sets. Sabalenka even cooked up her first Grand Slam double bagel.
With Anisimova returning to tour after taking much-needed time away, the American is “just here for the journey right now.” And right now, she’s journeying across the net of the defending champion.
Both players play with intensity, fast pace and accuracy. The momentum will shift as each player searches and finds their footing. This could be the first match in both of their 2024 Australian Opens that challenges them into a deciding set.