Former World No: Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic overcame struggles as the record 10-time champion surged to a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 triumph against Tomas Machac to advance to the fourth round at the Australian Open for a 17th time on Friday.
Djokovic tugged at his upper abdomen towards the end of the first set, though it wasn’t clear what the issue was. The Serb called for the physio during the second set and left for treatment at the end of it. Yet despite dealing with physical challenges, the 37-year-old Serbian was able to overpower and outfox the Czech 26th seed from the baseline to wrap up a clinical two-hour, 22-minute victory at the Rod Laver Arena.
“I think I played really well, honestly. I’m very happy with my game. I am slightly surprised with the result, to beat him in straight sets. He was a break up early in the second, I struggled physically there. I tried to catch my breath, I’m not 19 anymore.
