As the Australian Open heads into its second week, the intensity and pressure of the first Grand Slam of the year continues to rise. The last day of forth round action promises to deliver another day of spectacular tennis, with the spotlight focusing on two of the games biggest stars and World No. 1s, Simona Halep and Novak Djokovic.
Both players have not looked at their very best so far and will be looking to find their best form during the second week. Novak Djokovic looked comfortable in his opening two-rounds against Mitchell Kruger and Jo-Wilfred-Tsonga, however, in his third round against Shapovalov, the Serb looked rattled, when it was decided that the floodlights on Rod Laver Arena had to be switched on because of fears that the ball would not be visible on television. Djokovic lost five games in a row and lost the third set. During this passage in play, Djokovic got irritated with both himself and the crowd and he looked almost powerless in controlling his frustration. However after the third set, he left the court to compose himself and returned in fine form to win the fourth set 6-0.
On Monday evening, Djokovic takes on another rising star of the game in Daniil Medvedev. Medvedev has risen up the ATP Rankings and is currently nineteenth in the world. He has got the game to trouble Djokovic, possessing a powerful first serve and forehand. Medvedev has looked impressive so far in 2019, making the final in Brisbane and he recorded one of the biggest wins of career beating Andy Murray. Fuel has been added to the fire before this match with the young Russian admitting in his press conference that he didn’t think Novak was playing as well as he had in the past. Although the confidence of Medvedev is encouraging, it is important that this does not turn into arrogance. The evening conditions are more favorable for Djokovic, however Medvedev will gain belief in Tsitsipas’s upset over Federer. The backhand will be key for the Russian and if it starts to go awry, then he will be at risk of being dominated by Djokovic.
The most intriguing match of the days play in the womens’ draw is World No. 1 Simona Halep against seven -ime Australian Open winner Serena Williams in a blockbuster match in the night session. Simona Halep has struggled through her previous rounds, just being able to squeeze past Kaia Kanepi and Sofia Kenin. However, against Venus Williams, Halep looked far better and easily won in straight sets. Serena has looked flawless through her previous rounds and is in fine form. The match will ultimately be decided by Serena’s level of play. If Serena continues to be as aggressive and as ruthless as she has been so far this tournament, she should win, however, the fact that Halep has had to grind out tough matches means that she will be more prepared for another tough match. Halep will be required to utilize her strength and movement skills.
