Former world number one Novak Djokovic put aside challenges as the record 10-time champion powered to a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 win over Tomas Machac and reached the Australian Open fourth round for the 17th time on Friday.
Djokovic tugged at his upper abdomen toward the end of the first set; it was unclear, however, if it was indeed a problem, but he opted to call his physiotherapist in after the second and left at its end.
Overcoming the handicap, however, the 37-year-old Serb was relentless in overpowering and outwitting the 26th Czech seed from behind the baseline while wrapping up his clinical two hour, 22-minute win inside the Rod Laver Arena.
"I think I played really well, honestly. I'm very happy with my game. I am slightly surprised with the result, to beat him in straight sets. He was a break up early in the second, I struggled physically there. I tried to catch my breath, I'm not 19 anymore.
"I somehow managed to turn things around, held my serve when I needed to.". A few points really settled that set, which could have easily gone his way, then the outcome of the match would have been different. Overall in the third set, I felt fresh and moved really well. I'm really pleased with my game. There is always something to work on, but this is definitely my best match of the tournament," Djokovic said in the post-game interview.
The way Djokovic kept his nerves and produced at the right time will give him a lot of confidence as he looks to enter into the second week of his favourite major. And now, just one match from a potential quarterfinal showdown with World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic is the first man standing in that part of the draw.
With his statement performance in Friday’s third-round clash, Djokovic is into the fourth round at a Grand Slam for the 66th time in his 77th appearance at a major. He is also the second man to reach this stage of the Australian Open aged 37 or older since 1988.
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