Moment Novak Djokovic’s match is postponed due to fireworks in Adelaide

Novak Djokovic’s tennis matches often create fireworks – and on Friday night at the Adelaide International, it literally did.

The Serbian superstar, 35, was on the pitch in his quarterfinal match against Canada’s Denis Shapovalov when the pyrotechnics exploded.

Officials were not orchestrating the performance from a nearby river and were looking for answers when play was changed for nearly 10 minutes early in the first set.

Djokovic used all his experience to win in straight sets and improve his career record against Shapovalov to 8-0.

Next up for Djokovic is a showdown with heavy-serving Russian Daniil Medvedev on Saturday, a repeat of last January’s Australian Open final.

Novak Djokovic’s tennis matches often create fireworks – but on Friday night at the Adelaide International it literally did (pictured)

After a delay of almost 10 minutes, Djokovic regrouped to win against Denis Shapovalov in straight sets

“Usually you have to be ready to go the distance when you play against Daniil – he’s definitely one of the best players in the world in the last five years,” Djokovic said.

“He’s established himself, he’s a Grand Slam winner, a former world No. 1, so he’s someone I respect a lot.

“We’ve had some amazing fights over the years (and) we’re hoping for another good fight (on Saturday).”

Djokovic holds a career record 8-4 against Medvedev and has three games under his belt against the Russian.

Medvedev’s last win against Djokovic came at the 2021 US Open.

Next up for Djokovic is a showdown with Daniil Medvedev on Saturday, a repeat of last January’s Australian Open final

Medvedev knows he will be the underdog and is trying to build some momentum ahead of the Australian Open, which begins on January 16.

“Playing against Rafa and Novak is always a privilege,” said Medvedev.

“Every time I have this chance, I want to win. I want to try to do my best.’

Alexei Popyrin’s impressive run in the City of Churches also came to an end on Friday evening.

After defeating No. 2 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime earlier this week, Australian youngster Popyrin had his chances but ended up falling to Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in three sets.

Popyrin, ranked at No. 120 in the world, will now turn his attention to Melbourne Park, where he has been granted a wild card.