Wawrinka stuns Djokovic in 5-set thriller
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E-mail Xinhua, January 21, 2014
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Wawrinka beats Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 9-7 in a four-hour quarter-final on Rod Laver Arena to set up an Australian Open semi-final with Czech seventh seed Tomas Berdych. |
Eighth seed Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland beat defending champion Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 6- 2, 3-6, 9-7 to reach semifinals at the Australian Open on Tuesday.
A year ago, Djokoivc prevailed over Wawrinka in a fourth-round match that ended 12-10 in the fifth set, taking five hours and two minutes. Their semifinal match at the U.S. Open in September was another max-distance five-setter but consumed a more modest four hours and nine minutes.
Wawrinka took four hours to eliminate the defending champion who the Swiss lost 14 straight head-to-heads to. Wawrinka also ended Djokovic's 25-match winning streak at the Melbourne Park and made into his career second Grand Slam top four.
"Last year it was really tough. But this year I came back. I was not feeling great at the beginning. I am really, really, really happy. He is an amazing champion and kept coming back. I was really focused and feeling great on the court. I always fight, I always try. I was cramping. It is never easy," said Wawrinka.
Wawrinka ended Djokoivc's bid for a fourth consecutive title at Melbourne Park and will meet Tomas Berdych in semifinals.
"Berdych is a dangerous player with his service and baseline play. I will be ready, though," said Wawrinka.
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