MATCH REPORT | 2024 Australian Open: Off colour Novak DJOKOVIC survives another scare against Alexei POPYRIN
ATPWednesday, 17 January 2024 at 14:08
Novak Djokovic is through to the third round of the 2024 Australian Open in a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 win to maintain his winning streak to 30 matches in Melbourne, albeit he was made to work in a herculean effort against Alexei Popyrin where he was on the verge of one set away from going out of the tournament.
It was noticed that Djokovic had a tissue falling out of his pocket and after he said he wasn't 100% last round, he looked off colour throughout the clash against the Aussie ace but he got over the line in the end in a scare which could define the rest of his tournament.
The first set was one that Djokovic sealed with ease in the end as he broke at an opportune time to seal it 6-3. However, it was the second set where it got interesting as Djokovic misfired and in particular on serve Popyrin was superb as he edged it 6-4.
The third set saw Popyrin have his moment and he spurned it as he helped himself to three consecutive set points at 5-4. That was a chance to go towards the brink as Djokovic wasn't at his best, but Popyrin in a tale as old as time couldn't use his chance and this allowed the 24-time Grand Slam champion to escape into a tie-break.
He used to his advantage and shifted momentum taking it 7-4 and he took his route home from there as Djokovic broke for a 4-2 lead and was provoked by a member of the crowd and fired up from there into a 6-3 final set not letting Popyrin have another chance. Next up now is Tomas Martin Etcheverry as opposed to Gael Monfils who he has a flawless record against and given his first two wins, it could be another tough night for the Serbian kingpin.
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.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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