- Novak Djokovic faced off against Australian Alexei Popyrin in the second round
- Popyrin, world No 40, failed to make the most of four set points in the third set
- Djokovic recovered and ultimately defeated his plucky opponent in four sets
Novak Djokovic reached the third round of the Australian Open after a tense victory over Australian Alexei Popyrin in four sets.
The Serbian world no 1 won 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 following a gruelling clash in Melbourne that finished at around midnight local time.
Djokovic – who has won the Australian Open on his previous four attempts – raced into an early lead as he won the first set 6-3.
However, Popyrin, ranked 43 in the world, fought back and took the second set 6-4.
The Australian, who was being cheered on by a supportive local crowd in the Rod Laver Arena, then had four set points in the third set, before he ultimately lost 7-4 on a tie break.
Novak Djokovic reached the third round of the Australian Open after a four-set win over Alexei Popyrin
It was a brave effort from the Australian, who is world No 40, but ultimately he fell short
Djokovic then broke early in the fourth set before racing away to win 6-3.
However, it was a brave effort from Popyrin, who can take plenty of positives from his performance, which included saving four match points before he ultimately succumbed to defeat.
He received a brilliant reception from the crowd as he departed and Djokovic’s fiery celebrations following his victory showed how hard he had to work.
Speaking after his win, Djokovic said: ‘He was a better player in the second and third set and then (with the set points) he had quite an easy forehand and missed it. I was lucky at that point.
‘Things changed around and the momentum shifted in the tie break. I managed to put one more in the court than he did.
‘Credit to him for tactically coming up with the right game plan and serving big. He deserves a big round of applause for the performance today.’
Djokovic’s victory over Popyrin came after he was similarly pushed against little-known Croatian Dino Prizmic in the first round, winning in four sets.
And the Serb insisted there is plenty more to come from him as the tournament progresses.
He added: ‘I sincerely hope I can reach that next level and to go deep in the tournament.
‘I haven’t been playing my best, but in the early round you play players who have nothing to lose.
‘They come out on centre court trying to play the best match and best tennis. My first and second round opponents are really great quality tennis players.
‘Hopefully I can build as the tournament progresses.’
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