Novak Djokovic will far and away be the class of the quarterfinal line-up in Tokyo Friday. After a day off, the Serb returns to face No. 5 seed Lucas Pouille having already beaten the Frenchman twice this year in Australia and in Cincinnati.
The only the only seed left is No. 3 David Goffin who takes on Hyeon Chung after the Korean upended Marin Cilic on Thursday 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.
“I’m just really happy because this is one of the best wins in my career so far. It was a really tough match against one of the best players in the world,” said Chung after. “I’m just trying to enjoy every point.”
Goffin, who beat Denis Shapovalov in two breakers, has won both of their meetings.
“He’s really one of the best players in the world,” Chung said of the Belgian. “We know how to play each other because we practiced many times and we played a few matches, so I’m just trying to do my best tomorrow.”
American big man Reilly Opelka is also lurking as a potential final foe for Djokovic. He’ll take on Japanese qualifier Yasutaka Uchiyama.
And John Millman meets Taro Daniel.
“Taro is a very good friend of mine. We’ve played each other a fair amount of times, but not just that. Whenever we’re at tournaments, we’re looking to hit together or have dinner together,” Millman said. “He’s a very good friend, but you put friendships aside when you go out there and compete.”
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