Roger Federer the oldest player in the men’s draw and was defeated by the youngest of the lot. The defending champion at 37, was knocked out of the tournament by the 20-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 7-6. The three hours and 45 minutes match represented the changing of the guard as the victor declared himself the “happiest man on the earth.”
The Greek prodigy tackled every challenge thrown at him by the legendary Swiss. Federer gave his best, but alas, was no equal to Tsitsipas fitness. Federer’s body could not react as quickly to his opponent’s fiery backhands as it did during his prime days.
Tsitsipas is an aggressive baseliner and aims to hit powerful groundstrokes to win points. However, the biggest flaw in his technique is to overhit and unforced errors while in search for points.
Tsitsipas will face Roger Bautista Agut in the quarterfinals. Tsitsipas will try to take advantage of his aggressive play against Agut’s defensive counters and will hope to become the youngest to play in the slam’s semis since Djokovic in 2007.
As for Novak Djokovic, he had a successful 2018, with two majors and retaining the No.1 spot. The Serbian on Monday once again showed why he is a top-ranked player. In a four-set thriller, Djokovic beat Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3 and marched in the quarters.
This is Djokovic’s 10th Australian Open quarter-final and will face Kei Nishikori whom he has beaten 15 times in 17 encounters.
Both Djokovic and Nishikori have a similar gameplay. The duo has a baseline dominant groundstrokes play. Many believe that Nishikori has the defensive skills of Djokovic who can switch from forehand to backhands at will which wears down the opponent.
Another biggie to have qualified for the quarters is Rafael Nadal. The great Spaniard had an extremely easy outing against Tomas Berdych. He won the match in straight sets 6-0, 6-1, 7-6(5). Nadal will now face USA’s Frances Tiafoe in the last 8.
The Australian Open 2019 final will be played on January 27.
Here are all the Australian Open 2019 men’s single results of last 16:
Day 8:
Player 1 | Score | Player 2 | Winner |
Alexander Zverev | 1-6,1-6, 6-7(5-7) | Milos Raonic | Milos Raonic |
Borna Coric | 7-6(7-4), 4-6, 5-7, 6-7(2-7) | Lucas Pouille | Lucas Pouille |
Pablo Carreno Busta | 7-6(10-8), 6-4, 6-7(4-7), 4-6, 6-7(8-10) | Kei Nishikori | Kei Nishikori |
Novak Djokovic | 6-4, 6-7(5-7), 6-2, 6-3 | Daniil Medvedev | Novak Djokovic |
Day 7:
Player 1 | Score | Player 2 | Winner |
Roger Federer | 7(11), 7-6(3), 7-5, 7-6(5) | Stefanos Tsitsipas | Stefanos Tsitsipas |
Roberto Bautista Agut | 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 | Marin Cilic | Roberto B. Agut |
Rafael Nadal | 6-0, 6-1, 7-6(5) | Tomas Berdych | Rafael Nadal |
Frances Tiafoe | 6-0 6-1 7-6 (7-4) | Grigor Dimitrov | Frances Tiafoe |
