Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas overcome tough tests from Australian players to reach the third round in Melbourne.
Djokovic defeated Alexei Popyrin 6-3 4-6 7-6(4) 6-3 to set up a third round meeting with Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
While Tsitsipas will face Luca Van Assche in the last 32 after he edged out Jordan Thompson 4-6 7-6(6) 6-2 7-6(4).
Starting with Djokovic, the Serb made a strong start as he overcame some powerful serving from Popyrin to create three break point chances in the opening two return games.
There was clutch serving and hitting from the baseline from the Australian to fend off the early pressure but Djokovic would take his fourth break point in the eight game, creating a 5-3 lead.
The ten-time champion comfortably held to take the opening set but would soon find himself in trouble.
That’s because Popyrin elevated his level on return, hitting freely and forcing errors from Djokovic.
The world number 43 would break in the fourth game as well as producing some insane serving to take a 3-1 lead.
Djokovic would predictably bounce back in the second set as he stormed to a break of serve in the ninth game.
However that unfazed the fearless Australian who broke straight back to level the match at one set all.
Last year’s champion was in more trouble in the third set as Popyrin kept holding serve as well as having four set points in the tenth game.
Popyrin failed to capitalize on the opportunity as he produced some passive play to allow Djokovic back into the match.
The Serb didn’t need a second invitation as he proved too strong both in the tiebreak and the fourth set as he sealed a place in the third round.
Next for Djokovic is 30th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry, with Djokovic leading the head-to-head 2-0.
Tsitsipas Ousts Thompson In Second Round Thriller
Djokovic isn’t the only player to survive a tough test from an Australian as Stefanos Tsitsipas prevailed against Jordan Thompson in four sets.
Tsitsipas was forced to save multiple break points in the fourth set as he prevented playing a fifth set by winning the tiebreak.
After the match Tsitsipas admitted he executed his game-plan to perfection in the tiebreak, “I really executed my game plan tremendously and at the highest peak on the tiebreak, and I was able to keep it going on a very nice flow for me, especially when I got the early mini break in the tiebreaker. I really felt that inner power come out. It really showed in the next few points,” Tsitsipas explained in the post-match press conference.
Next for Tsitsipas is Frenchman Luca Van Assche who knocked out Lorenzo Musetti.
