Watch the strange moment Novak Djokovic’s match was suspended due to a bad fireworks display – as tournament organizers scramble to find out what caused the pyrotechnics.
- An unplanned fireworks display saw Novak Djokovic’s match suspended on Friday
- The Serbian star, 35, composed himself to win in straight sets against Denis Shapovalov
- He will now face Russian Daniil Medvedev for a place in the Adelaide International final
Novak Djokovic’s tennis matches often provide fireworks – and on Friday night at the Adelaide International it literally did.
The Serbian superstar, 35, was on court in his quarter-final against Canadian Denis Shapovalov when the pyrotechnics went off.
Officials ruled out a display from a nearby river, and they scrambled for answers as the game was changed for nearly 10 minutes early in the first set.
Djokovic called on all his experience to win in straight sets, and improve his career record against Shapovalov to 8-0.
Next up for Djokovic is a Saturday showdown with big-serving Russian Daniil Medvedev, a replay of the Australian Open final from last January.
Novak Djokovic’s tennis matches often provide fireworks – but on Friday night at the Adelaide International it literally happened (pictured)
Following a delay of almost 10 minutes, Djokovic composed himself to win in straight sets against Denis Shapovalov
‘Normally when you play Daniil you have to be prepared from afar – he’s certainly been one of the best players in the world for the last five years,’ said Djokovic.
‘He’s established, he’s a grand slam winner, former No. 1 in the world so he is someone I respect a lot.
‘We’ve had some fantastic matches over the years (and) we’re hoping for another good match (on Saturday).’
Djokovic holds an 8-4 career record against Medvedev and is on a three-match run against the Russian.
Medvedev’s last win over Djokovic came at the 2021 US Open.
Next up for Djokovic is a Saturday showdown with Daniil Medvedev, a replay of the Australian Open final from last January.
Medvedev knows he will be the underdog and is looking for some momentum ahead of the Australian Open, which starts on January 16.
‘Playing against (the likes of) Rafa and Novak is always a privilege,’ Medvedev said.
‘Every time I get this chance, I want to win. I want to try to do my best.’
On Friday night, Alexei Popyrin’s impressive run in the City of Churches also came to an end.
Encouraged after his win against No. 2 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime earlier in the week, Aussie young gun Popyrin had his chances, but ultimately fell short against Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in three sets.
Popyrin, ranked 120th in the world, will now turn his attention to Melbourne Park, where he has been given a wildcard.
