TOKYO — Novak Djokovic eased into the Tokyo 2020 men’s singles quarterfinals on Wednesday, satisfied with his form and organizers’ decision to delay the start of matches amid complaints from players about the hot and humid conditions.
Tennis matches at the Ariake Tennis Park will begin from 3 p.m. local time (0600 GMT) from Thursday, governing body International Tennis Federation said after requests from players who had struggled in the stifling weather.
World number two Daniil Medvedev, who along with Djokovic had lobbied for the schedule change, said he had struggled to breathe during his (6-2, 3-6, 6-2) third round win over Italian Fabio Fognini.
“Even from the first set, I didn’t feel good enough with my breathing,” said the 25-year-old, who is competing for the Russian Olympic Committee. “That’s why I called the physio, I felt like my diaphragm was blocked.”
Medvedev next plays Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta, whose compatriot Paula Badosa retired from her women’s singles quarterfinal match against Czech Markéta Vondroušová due to heatstroke. Badosa and Carreno Busta also withdrew from the mixed doubles event which began on Wednesday.
Djokovic, who took to the court later in the afternoon, said he was happy with the scheduling change after a comfortable (6-3, 6-1) win over Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
He followed up that match with a victory in the mixed doubles, partnering Nina Stojanovic to take out Brazilian pair Marcelo Melo and Luisa Stefani (6-3, 6-4).
“I’m very satisfied with my performance,” Djokovic said. — Reuters