Aussie Open:Djokovic dig deeps to sack Alexei Popyrin

Novak Djokovic was forced to dig deep as he battled past Alexei Popyrin 6-3 4-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to reach the third round of the Australian Open

Djokovic appeared to have a problem with his wrist, an issue he came into the tournament with, and has also been ill but he kept his winning streak at the Australian Open alive, having not lost in Melbourne since 2018.

He will face Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the last 32 after the Argentine, who beat Andy Murray in the first round, overcame Gael Monfils with a 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory.

The opening seven games went to serve with Djokovic 4-3 up but the world No 1 made a breakthrough when he broke Popyrin as the Australian made unforced errors at the wrong moment.

Djokovic went on to take the set but Popyrin raised his game in response and broke his opponent to go 3-1 up in the second set.

However, Djokovic broke back when Popyrin was serving for the set, only for the Australian to win the set on the Djokovic serve and level things up to the delight of the crowd on the Rod Laver Arena.

Some unforced errors were creeping into Djokovic’s game and he was particularly struggling on the forehand, which continued in the third set.

Popyrin required a medical time out at 3-2 up on his left calf but it didn’t seem to affect him. The home player found himself with three set points on Djokovic’s serve at 5-4 but failed to take them, then missed a fourth opportunity in the same game as the Serb just held on to make it 5-5.

A third set tie-break was needed and from nowhere Djokovic delivered his best tennis of the match with some outstanding shots. Just as he’s done over the last 15 years, when it matters most, he produces.

Djokovic was left displeased early in the fourth set after a comment from a spectator, and there were some words exchanged.