Djokovic reaches Adelaide quarter finals

In order to advance to the quarterfinals of the Adelaide International on Thursday and step up his preparations for the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic overcame a rough start to defeat Frenchman Quentin Halys.

The top seed from Serbia defeated the top seed from Canada, Denis Shapovalov, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/5).

Tuesday saw Djokovic return to the location of his 2007 title run and defeat France’s Constant Lestienne in straight sets.

He repeated it against Lestienne’s doubles partner Halys, although he struggled to get going and lost the opening set 2-5 before winning.

The 35-year-old Djokovic, who missed the Grand Slam last year due to injury, is preparing for a shot at a 10th Australian Open championship and said, “It was a terrific effort from my opponent today.”