- Novak Djokovic confronted off towards Australian Alexei Popyrin within the second spherical
- Popyrin, world No 43, did not take advantage of 4 set factors within the third set
- Djokovic recovered and finally defeated his plucky opponent in 4 units
Novak Djokovic reached the third spherical of the Australian Open after a tense victory over Australian Alexei Popyrin in 4 units.
The Serbian world no 1 received 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 following a gruelling conflict in Melbourne that completed at round midnight native time.
Djokovic – who has received the Australian Open on his earlier 4 makes an attempt – raced into an early lead as he received the primary set 6-3.
However, Popyrin, ranked 43 on this planet, fought again and took the second set 6-4.
The Australian, who was being cheered on by a supportive crowd within the Rod Laver Arena, then had 4 set factors within the third set, earlier than he finally misplaced 7-4 on a tie break.
Novak Djokovic beat Alexei Popyrin in 4 units to succeed in the third spherical of the Australian Open
It was a courageous effort from the Australian, who’s world No 40, however finally he fell brief
Djokovic then broke early within the fourth set earlier than racing away to win 6-3.
However, it was a courageous effort from Popyrin, who can take loads of positives from his efficiency, which included saving 4 match factors earlier than he finally succumbed to defeat.
He obtained an excellent reception from the gang as he departed and Djokovic’s fiery celebrations following his victory confirmed how laborious he needed to work.
A key level within the match appeared to return within the fourth set when the rating was 2-2 when a member of the gang tried to get beneath Djokovic’s pores and skin.
He responded by telling the person to ‘come and say it to my face’, and he appeared to be spurred on by the interplay as he received 4 of the subsequent 5 video games to win the match.
Speaking after his win, Djokovic stated: ‘He was a greater participant within the second and third set after which (with the set factors) he had fairly a straightforward forehand and missed it. I used to be fortunate at that time.
‘Things modified round and the momentum shifted within the tie break. I managed to place another within the court docket than he did.
‘Credit to him for tactically arising with the best sport plan and serving huge. He deserves a giant spherical of applause for the efficiency right now.’
Djokovic’s victory over Popyrin got here after he was equally pushed towards little-known Croatian Dino Prizmic within the first spherical, profitable in 4 units.
And the Serb insisted there’s loads extra to return from him because the event progresses.
He added: ‘I sincerely hope I can attain that subsequent degree and to go deep within the event.
‘I have not been enjoying my greatest, however within the early spherical you play gamers who don’t have anything to lose.
Djokovic hailed Popyrin’s show, however stated he should enhance throughout the remainder of the event
The Serbian was additionally concerned in a confrontation with a fan early on within the fourth set
‘They come out on centre court docket making an attempt to play the very best match and greatest tennis. My first and second spherical opponents are actually nice high quality tennis gamers.
‘Hopefully I can construct because the event progresses.’
Reflecting on the confrontation with the member of the gang, the 36-year-old additionally stated: ‘Not the very best ambiance to play in, to be sincere. People mainly made noise between the primary and second serve your entire match.
‘What actually annoyed me is when any person heckles me within the crowd. I informed him to say it to my face however there was an absence of braveness in that second.’