Novak Djokovic beats Milos Raonic to set up Alexander Zverev Australian Open quarter-final

Novak Djokovic beats Milos Raonic to set up Alexander Zverev Australian Open quarter-final (Image: GETTY)

Novak Djokovic defied medical science and Milos Raonic to record his 300th Grand Slam win and reach the Australian Open quarter-finals. The world No.1 suffered a muscle “tear” in his third round win over Taylor Fritz on Friday and feared his title defence was open.

And the eight-time champion was unable to practice yesterday, instead going for an MRI scan on his issue.

But the Serbian superstar returned to the Rod Laver Arena to record his 12th consecutive win over Milos Raonic 7-6 4-6 6-1 6-4.

Only Roger Federer – with 362 wins – has won more Grand Slam singles matches than Djokovic. The Serb will now play his 48th major quarter-final, against Alexander Zverev.

In his courtside interview, Djokovic said: “If it is any other tournament but a Grand Slam, I would withdraw from the event that is for sure. But because it is a Grand Slam I wan to give my best to try and recover and get on the court.

“Obviously I didn’t know before I finished my warm-up today three hours before I entered the court against Milos whether I was going to play or not. When it warmed up, it was fine. During the match today, it was on and off.

Novak Djokovic beats Milos Raonic to set up Alexander Zverev Australian Open quarter-final (Image: GETTY)

“It is not ideal but I cannot complain. I won the match against a great player and hopefully it is going to be even better in two days.”

The world No.1 added: “There was no preparation basically for this match. I used every single hour that I had since I finished the last match to recover and put myself in a position where I had a possibility to compete.

“I was definitely fitter in the past – that is as much as I can say. I am taking each day at a time. More than training, it is recovery now.”

Djokovic started strongly and held serve in his final two service games to love before wrapping up the tiebreak in 56 minutes.

The Canadian took a medical timeout for treatment on his right at 1-2 in the second set and returned to the court with new energy.

Novak Djokovic beats Milos Raonic to set up Alexander Zverev Australian Open quarter-final (Image: GETTY)

The 2016 Wimbledon finalist made the first break of the match after 90 minutes to lead 3-2.

The Canadian, who sent down four aces in the eighth game, then served out to win his first ever set against Djokovic in a Grand Slam – and only his fourth in 12 matches.

But just as this fourth-round tie seemed up for grabs, 17-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic took control with two breaks in a quick-fire third set.

And the No.1 seed broke the massive Raonic serve for a third time to lead 5-4 before taking his first match point when the Canadian sent a forehand return wide.

Djokovic will face Zverev in the last eight after the No.6 seed beat Dusan Lajovic 6-4 7-6 6-3.