​Novak Djokovic took a step to the third round of the Australian Open-2024, but not without emotions. The ATP leader had to work hard in the match against the home favorite and world number 43 Oleksii Popyrin with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-3.

Novak DjokovicPhoto: James Gourley / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

With the score 1-1 in the sets, Novak Djokovic saved four set points from Oleksii Popyrin

The first set was evenly matched, with a single break (the one at 4-3) making the difference as Nole won the match, 6-3.

The second was the one in which Oleksiy came out on the ramp: served accurately, defended well, disrupted Djokovic’s rhythm with many slices, had the necessary patience, and the break was not long in coming.

The Serbian did not look in the best shape, sometimes he made some movements with his right wrist, which suggests that he may have felt some discomfort in that part of his body.

Popyrin (29 years old) broke away at the score of 5-2, and at the score of 5-3 served to win the set. Emotionally, however, it clicked and Djokovic broke.

However, the Serb again unexpectedly returned his serve, and in the end the Australian won the set with a score of 6-4. Cheers rang out at Rod Laver Arena, and Oleksiy was at the height of confidence.

The final difference in the match was made by the third set. Popyrin had four set points (three of them draws: 0-40), but spent them all.

Breaking out of the borderline situation, Novak mentally dominated the tiebreak and won with a score of 7-4.

Down 2-1 in sets and with an opponent fully aware of the dramatic loss of the third set, Djokovic was emotionless until the end.

There was no balance in the fourth set, the body language clearly showed that the Australian had already succumbed morally.

Djokovic won the set 6-3 and the match after three hours and 11 minutes.

In an interview at the end of the match (from Eurosport), Jokerul admitted that physically he is not at 100%, but did not specifically name the problems he has.

Djokovic – Popyrin, match statistics

Aces: 11-17

Double faults: 0-4

Points won on first serve: 82%-73%

Points won on second serve: 59%-57%

The fastest service: 208 km/h – 212 km/h

Winning throws: 31-52

Unforced errors: 32-58

Break points won: 27% (3/11) – 29% (2/7)

Total points: 124-106

Duration of the match: 3 hours 11 minutes.

Know:

  • Wednesday’s win was Djokovic’s 77th at Rod Laver Arena, tying Serena Williams’ mark.

  • In the third round, Novak Djokovic will meet Thomas Martin Etcheverry (seeded at number 30).

Australian Open 2024 will be held from January 14 to 28. The current singles champions are Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenko.

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