Novak put to the test again

Melbourne – Novak Djokovic (above) survived a huge scare to reach the third round of the Australian Open yesterday, beating home favourite Alexei Popyrin to stay on track for a historic 25th Grand Slam title.

The world No 1 showed his trademark mental strength to face down his inspired opponent, prevailing 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3.

Djokovic was kept on court for more than four hours in his firstround victory over teenager Dino Prizmic, admitting he was “a bit under the weather”.

Normal service appeared to have been resumed when the Serbian 10-time champion cruised through the first set on Rod Laver Arena.

But his unforced error count ticked up in the second set and he was broken for the first time in the fourth game.

Popyrin appeared to have blown his chance to level when he produced a sloppy service game when serving for the set.

However, Djokovic, again looking out of sorts and blowing his nose during changeovers, failed to build on his break and the Australian produced an impressive backhand lob to level the match, urging the crowd to up the volume.

Popyrin asked for a medical time-out when leading 3-2 in the third set and received treatment on his left calf, accompanied by a Mexican wave among the fans.

The pivotal point in the match came in the 10th game.

Three uncharacteristic unforced errors from Djokovic’s racquet gave Popyrin three set points but he was unable to capitalise, missing out on a fourth opportunity as the top seed levelled in a game lasting nearly 10 minutes.

Djokovic, 36, won the tie-break to take a firm grip on the match as Popyrin received more treatment on his leg.

The Serbian appeared to get into an altercation with some fans early in the fourth set but re-focused, breaking to love in the sixth game.

“There were a lot of things that were being told to me on the court...I was tolerating it for most of the match. At one point I had had enough, and I asked him whether he wants to come down and tell it to my face,” he said.

He broke again and sealed the victory when Popyrin went long, letting out a huge roar.

Djokovic, with 24 Slams under his belt, is already the most decorated player. He is gunning for an 11th Australian Open title to pull clear of Margaret Court on the alltime list of majors. –