Djokovic sees off spirited Simon to reach Australian Open quarters

World number one Novak Djokovic overcame a dogged challenge from Gilles Simon in a five-set thriller to progress through to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open on Sunday.

The Serbian defending champion produced an error-strewn performance as he made a remarkable 100 unforced errors during his 6-3, 6-7(1), 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win over Simon of France. The match lasted over four hours and a half hours at Rod Laver Arena.

With the win, Djokovic has now set up a quarterfinal clash with seventh-seed Kei Nishikori, who claimed 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 triumph over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in the fourth round.

Meanwhile, third-seed Roger Federer will also aim to seal his quarterfinal-berth when he will take on his Belgium opponent David Goffin.