The world no. 1 made light work of Kyle Edmund with a 6-2 6-1 6-4 fourth-round win to end Edmund’s remarkable run at the competition.
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Hitting some huge forehands, Edmund broke serve twice in a row to lead 3-2 before Djokovic resumed control, eventually winning the last eight points in succession. Just a lot of learning to do from it, which is a really good thing.
“I think he was overwhelmed by the stage today”, Djokovic said.
There was some reason for concern for the Djokovic camp when their man required treatment to a wrist injury when 2-1 up in the third, and a loss of concentration from Djokovic allowed Edmund back into the contest as the pair exchanged breaks. “But I came off the court a lot happier than I was during the match just because I got something going and started to impose myself a lot better”.
“It was good to play an entire match, considering I had not had much time on the court in the last couple of rounds”, Djokovic said afterwards.
Meanwhile, Edmund was having the tournament of his life, beating Richard Gasquet in round one before reaching the fourth round of a slam for the first time after defeating John Isner in four sets to set up this clash. The world number 84 ripped a backhand cross court victor to move to break point but could not convert that chance or a second as the defending champion held for 2-0.
It was indeed a memorable result for 22-year-old Pouille, but Rafa’s exit was painful for the fans, who were anxiously waiting for his semi-final match with World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. “It’s a little bit of an unknown as well because I’ve never played a match on that court in front of that crowd, so it’s a new experience for me”.
Third-seeded Stan Wawrinka, sixth-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan, eighth-seeded Austrian Dominic Thiem and former champion Juan Martin del Potro will also battle for quarter-final berths. For someone his age he’s showing mental maturity, no doubt.
Edmund had promised to take the game to Djokovic but after a confident hold in the opening game, he was blown away by some near flawless tennis. In the quarter-finals the world No1 will play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, with the victor to face either Lucas Pouille or Gael Monfils. “So coming into the second week of a Grand Slam quarterfinals feeling good, it’s exactly where I want to be”.
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Pouille overcame the two-time victor 6-1 2-6 6-4 3-6 7-6 (8-6) to secure a last eight meeting with compatriot Gaël Monfils.
