Novak Djokovic has praised Mikhail Kukushkin for pushing him all the way in their Shanghai Masters third-round encounter, saying that it was the "toughest match" he has faced in the competition so far.
The top seed was made to work hard this afternoon, eventually prevailing 6-3 4-6 6-4 to see off the world number 85.
"He pushed me to the last point," Djokovic is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "He deserves credit for how he played. Some shots were incredible.
"I've never played him so it was difficult for me to get into the match. He was making winners from all over the place. I had to back off.
"This is something that definitely gives me more confidence. It was definitely the toughest match I've had so far in China. I'm really glad I managed to stay mentally tough."
The reigning champion will now face David Ferrer in the quarter-finals.
