Nole is thru to R3 after four-set match.

World no.1 Novak Djokovic battled previous Alexei Popyrin and Melbourne crowd to achieve Australian Open third spherical.

Djokovic recorded a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory in three hours and 11 minutes.

The Serbian star was convincing within the first set however he misplaced composure within the second. Nevertheless, after saving 4 set factors within the third set, an amazing third set tiebreak win noticed him regain momentum. A break within the sixth recreation of the fourth set was sufficient for the highest seed to wrap up the win.

“He had fairly a simple forehand and he missed it,” Nole stated. “I didn’t do something particular, I used to be fortunate. He was a greater participant for a set-and-a-half. The momentum shifted within the tiebreak. I don’t assume I performed on the highest degree, credit score to him for tactically popping out with the fitting recreation plan. I haven’t been taking part in my greatest, nonetheless looking for the shape. Significantly within the early rounds you face participant who don’t have anything to lose, my first and second spherical opponents had been nice high quality gamers.”

Match statistics: aces (11-17), double faults (0-4), winners (31-52), unforced errors (32-58), whole factors gained (124-106).

10-time champion Djokovic will tackle no.30 seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry (ATP H2H report 2-0) on Friday, after the Argentine defeated Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Photograph: AP