Djokovic eliminates Popyrin to reach Australian Open 3rd round

Novak Djokovic, world number 1 and reigning Australian Open champion, won against world number 43, Alexei Popyrin from Australia, 3-1 sets and advanced to the 3^rd round of the Grand Slam.

It’s job done for Novak Djokovic ✅

The defending champion is through after a battle against Alexei Popyrin 💥

Tomas Martin Etcheverry lies ahead 🔜#BBCTennis #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/qy5D6iBPhA

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 17, 2024

The Serbian won the 1^st set 6-3 as a single break point was enough for him to triumph in the opening set. However, with the home crowd’s support, Popyrin surprised the world number 1 and won the 2^nd set after converting 2 break opportunities from 3 and allowing his Serbian opponent to break him only once.

In the 3^rd set, we saw no break, and things could become even more interesting if Alexei had won the tiebreak, but Nole didn’t allow that and beat him 7-4 points to take the lead in the match again.

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In the 4^th set, Djokovic converted 1 break and won it 6-3 he also closed the match again and won the clash after losing 1 set.

Nole will play against the Argentinian world number 32 Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the next round.

Novak Djokovic after beating Popyrin at Australian Open

Jim Courier: “Do you feel like this year you can find that extra gear, maybe better health? We see you sniffling a bit. What’s it gonna take for you to hit that next level to get you to the finish line?”

Novak: “I… pic.twitter.com/CBdPyvS32Q

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 17, 2024