Novak Djokovic overcomes lack of preparation to battle past Milos Raonic

The eight-time champion revealed his continued participation in the Australian Open remained in doubt until shortly before the contest

Novak Djokovic clenches his fist after beating Milos Raonic (Hamish Blair/AP)

Novak Djokovic said he would have pulled out of the Australian Open if it was not a grand slam after battling past Milos Raonic and into the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park.

The world number one was pessimistic he would even be able to take to the court for the match after sustaining an apparent stomach muscle injury during his five-set victory over Taylor Fritz on Friday.