Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball during the men's singles third round match against Denis Shapovalov of Canada at 2019 Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 19, 2019. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
MELBOURNE, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has continued his impressive run at the Australian Open on Saturday, beating out talented Canadian teen Denis Shapovalov in four sets 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0.
The six-time Australian Open champion has so far looked flawless at this year's tournament, knocking over American Mitchell Krueger and experienced Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga without dropping a set.
Although things against the 19-year-old Shapovalov were slightly more difficult, the court coverage and power of the Serb proved the difference in the match.
"Other than the little letdown that I had when I was 4-1, 4-2 up in the third set, I thought I played well, especially in the fourth set," Djokovic said after the match.
"I expected Denis to come out and be aggressive. I just stayed solid from back of the court and served well, played the right shots."
"For the first two sets, just had things under control but at 4-1, I was agitated."
"As I said, should not happen to me. I know better. I have experience. But it does happen, I guess. I allowed him to come back to the match."
Despite the short lapse in composure from the 14-time Grand Slam winner, he was able to get the break in the crucial fourth set and close out the match.
Djokovic will now take on the tournament's 15th seed, Russian Daniil Medvedev, for a place in the quarterfinals.
