Novak Djokovic overcame a spirited performance from world No.187 Quentin Halys to clinch a 6-1, 6-2,7-6(3), win at the Australian Open.
The experience of Djokovic overwhelmed that of his 19-year-old opponent. The Serbian was playing in his 839th ATP main draw match compared to Hayls, who was playing in only his fourth.
Opening the match with a love service game, Djokovic encountered a thrilling second game. After racing to 40-0, Halys demonstrated how much of a talented player he is by clawing his way back to deuce. The Frenchman then saved two further break points before claiming his opening service game, earning the respect of the crowd. The first two games were the closest the opening set got as the world No.1 claimed four consecutive games to win the opener after 29 minutes.
The issue wasn’t that Halys was playing appalling, it was just the fact that Novak Djokovic was too strong during the early part of the match. The top seed won eight out of the first nine points of the second set to get another break in the match. Admirably Halys kept fighting and never gave up by holding his following two service games, however, Djokovic was never in danger as he broke once again to extend the lead to 5-2. The two sets lead was sealed after Hayls produced his 8th unforced error of the set. During the second set the Serbian lost just one of his first service points and two of his second.
Leading by two sets, Djokovic still had to contend with the fighting spirit of the Frenchman. An outstanding pick-up at the net from Hayls resulted in him claiming the first game of the third set. Then an unexpected unforced error from Djokovic handed the teenager two break points in the following game. Hayls successfully converted after a return went straight to the top of the net and bounced over to Djokovic’s side. The lull in Djokovic’s momentum was only a momentary lapse as he responded immediately by breaking to level the set at 2-2. The Djokovic dominance in the match was halted as both players matched each other game by game.
Djokovic having more problems in 3rd set vs Halys. Still work to do for the world no.1. LIVE on Eurosport 1 now https://t.co/QnSuTvkPJa
— Eurosport UK TV (@EurosportUKTV) January 20, 2016
Halys shot selection was of a higher caliber than most expected as it troubled Djokovic throughout the majority of the third set. As Halys edged ahead to 6-5, Djokovic was forced to serve to stay in the set. This was no issue for him as he held to love to force a tiebreaker.
The tiebreaker was unfamiliar territory for Djokovic with the packed crowd switching their support from him to the young Frenchman. The Serbian grabbed his first break when Halys hit a backhand long to move ahead 3-1. The defending champion raced to 6-2, after another long shot from his rival. At four match points to his advantage, Djokovic was successful on his second after Halys returned his serve into the net.
During his second round triumph, the top seed produced 42 winners, 14 unforced errors and converted 5/11 break points. Shortly after his win, Djokovic paid tribute to Halys during his on-court interview.
“He’s been playing some great tennis and I want to congratulate him”. Djokovic said.
“I wish him all the best this year”.
Djokovic also said that walking onto the court at the Rod Laver arena gives him ‘beautiful memories’. The Serbian has won the tournament five times in his career.
In the third round, he will play Andreas Seppi of Italy. Seppi made headlines at the tournament last year when he stunned Roger Federer in the third round. Djokovic has a commanding lead against the Italian, winning all 12 of their previous encounters.
