Novak Djokovic wary of dangerous Tomic

Safe passage: Novak Djokovic comfortably saw off the challenge of Michael Llodra
10 April 2012

Novak Djokovic thinks he could face the toughest challenge of his Wimbledon campaign yet when he takes on teenage practice partner Bernard Tomic in Wednesday's quarter-final.

Two days after a scare against Marcos Baghdatis, Djokovic looked back to his imperious best as he swatted aside 19th seed Michael Llodra in a 6-3 6-3 6-3 win.

Djokovic, seeded second, needed just over an hour and a half to dispatch the Frenchman on Court One in a near faultless display which keeps him on course for a probable semi-final against Roger Federer.

But to reach the last four Djokovic will first have to beat Tomic, who claimed the prize scalp of fifth seed Robin Soderling to set up his latest victory over Xavier Malisse.

Djokovic and Tomic know each other well, having hit together on several occasions over the last three years.

The Australian's excellent form, and the fact that Tomic knows Djokovic's game inside out, leaves the Serb knowing he will face a stern test if he is to overcome his opponent on Wednesday.

"We have had many opportunities to practise with each other over the last few years so we know each other's game well," Djokovic said.

"He can be very dangerous because he doesn't have anything to lose really. He's in quarter-finals, and I'm sure he's going to step into the court willing to win. He believes that he can win against the top players, and he has been doing that very comfortably in last couple of rounds here in Wimbledon."

Tomic, born in Germany to Bosnian and Croatian parents, moved to Australia when he was two and started playing when he was seven.

He exited Wimbledon at the first round stage last year, but has excelled at SW19 this time around, knocking out Malisse, Soderling and 29th seed Nikolay Davydenko to make the quarter-finals at the tender age of 18.

Djokovic spotted Tomic's talent while he was playing on the juniors circuit three years ago and believes that the youngster is a star of the future.

"He has great potential, a great talent and he's showing that right now," Djokovic said. "He is a qualifier so he has a lot of games on grass under his belt. He loves playing on this surface.

"If you analyse his game, you can see that he loves playing on the fast surfaces. He just has these flat shots. He doesn't give you a lot of time and he serves really well. He doesn't make many unforced errors so it's going to be exciting match."

Djokovic lost his temper during an enthralling four-set win over Baghdatis on Saturday. The main talking point from that encounter was the racquet-busting fit of rage that came after he lost a rally in the second set.

He was calmness personified against Llodra though in the routine win - something which he admits will boost him as he looks to win his first Wimbledon crown.

"It felt great, especially after the long match that I had against Baghdatis," Djokovic said. "To come out and play as well as I did at the beginning of the second week is encouraging."

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