Novak Djokovic
weathered a formidable challenge to progress to the
Australian Open
's third round, overcoming home favorite
Alexei Popyrin
in a gripping encounter.
Despite Djokovic's admission of being "a bit under the weather" after a prolonged first-round battle, he showcased trademark mental fortitude to secure a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 victory.
While the Serbian maestro initially dominated, his unforced errors surged in the second set, leading to a rare break in the fourth game.
Popyrin, seemingly squandering his opportunity to level, rallied impressively with a backhand lob, igniting the crowd.
Djokovic, facing sporadic challenges and health concerns, navigated the turbulence to remain on course for a historic 25th
Grand Slam
title.
Popyrin asked for a medical timeout when leading 3-2 in the third set and received treatment on his left calf, accompanied by a Mexican wave among the fans.
In a pivotal moment during the 10th game, Novak Djokovic faced a challenging situation with three uncharacteristic unforced errors, offering Alexei
Popyrin
three set points.
However, Popyrin couldn't capitalise, missing a fourth opportunity, and Djokovic, showing his resilience, leveled the game in an intense 10-minute battle.
The 36-year-old Serbian then secured a firm grip on the match by winning the tie-break, while Popyrin received additional treatment for his leg.
Despite a brief altercation with fans in the fourth set, Djokovic refocused, breaking to love in the sixth game and ultimately sealing the victory when Popyrin sent a shot long.
With 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic stands as the most decorated player in men's
tennis
, and he aims for an 11th Australian Open title to surpass Margaret Court on the all-time list of majors.
(With AFP inputs)
English (US) ·