Djokovic survives ’very tough’ match
NOVAK Djokovic's aura of invincibility at Rod Laver Arena wavered under the pressure of Frances Tiafoe yesterday, but the Serbian rose to the challenge to claim a 6-3 6-7(3) 7-6(2) 6-3 win and reach the third round of the Australian Open.
The double-defending champion has rarely been tested so early at his favourite Grand Slam, but he had his hands full against American Tiafoe, whose sparkling tennis revived memories of his exhilarating run to the 2019 quarter-finals.
“Very tough match,” said Djokovic on court, his voice faint and hoarse from the battle.
“Also difficult conditions. While we had sun on the court, it was very, very warm.
“I want to give a hand to Frances again for a great fight. It was a fantastic match.”
In the evening, Nick Kyrgios made a sensational comeback in the second round, saving two match points to beat Ugo Humbert 5-7 6-4 3-6 7-6(2) 6-4 in a febrile atmosphere on John Cain Arena.
Meanwhile, Serena Williams said she played better when she was not thinking quite as much after reaching the third round for the 19th time with a 6-3 6-0 victory over Nina Stojanovic.
The American, again sporting her distinctive one-legged leotard, needed to find her best game at times in the first set against a spirited Serbian 15 years her junior, who was playing in her fourth Grand Slam.
Williams ramped up her serve to see off the danger before putting the pressure back on her opponent with some booming service returns, running out a comfortable winner on a sundrenched Rod Laver Arena.
“I wasn't thinking so much in the second set,” the 39-yearold said.
“I think sometimes … Even with my serve, I over-think it. When I don't think about it and I'm just like, whatever, it goes in.
“But that's clearly not the way to do it.”
In other women's action, Naomi Osaka dreamt that she would lose her second-round match, but the reality was a comfortable 6-2 6-3 victory over Caroline Garcia.