10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic into Last 16 for the 17th time, eases past torrid Tomas Machac
ATP
Novak Djokovic is into the Last 16 for the 17th time at the Australian Open which on his run over the years has featured 10 triumphs in what was a win full of the sublime and also taking advantage of a poor display from Tomas Machac.
Djokovic sealed the win 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 in what was his best performance thus far as he rose to the occasion against a player often regarded as one that could break out at any time.
But he often as history has suggested not done it in big games and has suffered issues with cramp or not delivering on his form. He overpowered and outfought the Czech ace despite seeming to struggle physically in what is the mark of a true champion as he won in two hours and 22 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.
Machac had an unforced error count of 35 in all and perhaps could've made it closer had it not been so error strewn as even though Djokovic look hampered, he also made it look easy at the same time.
The Serbian called for the physio during the second set and left for treatment at the end of it. Yet despite this as he often does when he faces adversity, he was the one to prevail as he returned for an assured final set of tennis to get off the court victorious and improve his Head to Head to 2-1.
Djokovic is into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the 66th time in his 77th appearance at a major. He is also the second man only to reach this point aged 37 or older since 1988.
Machac was seen as a tricky test but the same could be said for his next opponent Jiri Lehecka who won against Benjamin Bonzi earlier today 6-2, 6-3, 6-3. The seventh seed is bidding to win a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title and it could be that it is Lehecka or bust to stop him.
Novak Djokovic won one of the best points of the year.
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) January 17, 2025
How is he 37 years old? 🤯pic.twitter.com/JSCZXIl45I
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
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