Novak Djokovic overcame a second straight scare to reach the third round of the Australian Open. The defending champion, who won the longest first-round match of his Grand Slam career on Sunday, had to save four set points on serve to avoid losing 2-1 to Australia's Alexei Popyrin. did not become.
In the end, the world No. 1 player won the third set in a tie-break, and seemed inspired by the words he exchanged with the audience in the fourth set, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (4). was. They won 6-3 at Rod Laver Arena.
It is not clear whether the 10-time champion asked spectators to leave, but TV commentator and former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios told Eurosport: “Just say the word Novak and you'll be in this commentary box.'' Then they disappear,” he said. And I myself will escort him out. ”
Popyrin was left disappointed as he was unable to convert any of his four set points in the ninth game of the third set, and Djokovic said in an on-court interview: I wasn't doing anything special at that point, and I was lucky to get away with that match. He was the better player for a set and a half. The tie-break changed the game and I was able to put one more ball in the court than he did, but that was it.
“I think he played at the highest level in some cases, but I also give him credit for coming up with a tactically sound game plan and making big serves. He deserves a big round of applause for his performance.
“I'm not playing my best, but especially in the early rounds you're playing against players who have nothing to lose and they're coming out to center court and trying to play their best tennis, and my one I think both my opponents in the first and second rounds were great.''There were really great quality tennis players and I managed to find a way to win. I hope I can grow as the tournament progresses. ”
Djokovic's form will give hope to his third-round opponent, Argentina's Tomas Martin Echeverry. “He had very mixed emotions on court. He was not in a good mood to play,” Djokovic told Eurosport. “I get annoyed when hecklers come.”
