Novak Djokovic sets new record to reach Australian Open third round
MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic set another Grand Slam record as he battled through to the third round of the Australian Open.
The 37-year-old’s 6-1, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-2 victory over Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria was his 430th match at a Slam, taking him past the mark previously held by Roger Federer.
ADVERTISING
Djokovic was visibly challenged by 21-year-old Faria, who is ranked down at 125.
The 10-time Melbourne Park champion at times appeared physically troubled — stretching out his hips at changeovers — and it was another slightly uncomfortable afternoon for new coach Andy Murray.
Having won the first set comfortably, Djokovic, who also lost a set against Nishesh Basavareddy on Monday, lost five games in a row from 2-0 up in the second.
He vented his frustration loudly at his own game and looked towards his box in exasperation at some of the play from Faria.
Djokovic fought back to level the second set at 5-5 and then complained to the umpire about the lights having been switched on as clouds descended on Melbourne Park.
They were switched off, but Djokovic’s mood darkened as Faria continued to make him uncomfortable, with the Serbian saving a set point at 5-6 but then losing the tie-break.
He had a chat with Murray ahead of the third set, which was disrupted by a short rain delay and closure of the roof on Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic received a time violation before the fifth game but finally broke serve to lead 4-2 and that proved to be the crucial moment.
“I think I responded very well, the third and in particular the fourth set, the way I ended up the match,” Djokovic said.
“He was playing lights-out tennis. Towards the end of the second and beginning of the third, I had to weather the storm. He’s been practically playing two first serves. I told him at the net the future is bright for him,” he said.
It will be back to the practice court for Murray and Djokovic on Thursday and he will surely need to raise his game if he is to make it past Tomas Machac in the next round.
The Czech 26th seed survived a major test from giant American Reilly Opelka on Wednesday, winning 3-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-4), 6-4, but is a high-class player.
It was smooth sailing, though, for Carlos Alcaraz, who needed only an hour and 21 minutes to see off Yoshihito Nishioka 6-0, 6-1, 6-4, with the Japanese player winning just four points in the opening set.
