Novak Djokovic survives Alexei Popyrin scare to reach third round of Australian Open
Novak Djokovic roars after sealing victory against Australian Alexei Popyrin on Wednesday night. Photo: Getty
World No.1 Novak Djokovic has overcome an almighty scare from local hope Alexei Popyrin to reach the Australian Open third round and keep his bid alive for a record 25th slam.
Precocious talent Popyrin threatened to scupper Djokovic’s attempt to surpass Margaret Court when he had four set points in the third set in Wednesday’s match, but the champion saved them all on his way to a 6-3 4-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 win.
“He had quite an easy forehand (on set point) and he missed it,” Djokovic said of Popyrin’s chance to take a two-sets-to-one lead.
“I didn’t do anything special, I was lucky that point and that game to get away.
“He was a better player I think for a set and a half, second and third set.
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“Things changed around, the momentum shifted in the tiebreak. I managed to put in one more ball in the court than he did – so that’s all.
“I mean, I don’t think I played maybe at the highest level – in some instances yes, but also credit to him for tactically coming out with the right game plan and serving big.
“He deserves a big round of applause for the performance tonight.”
Djokovic was combative in front of a pro-Popyrin crowd at Rod Laver Arena, including confronting a heckler in the fourth set.
He ground out the first set but Popyrin came out firing in the second set, smacking 14 winners to Djokovic’s four.
The 24-year-old brilliantly lobbed Djokovic to seal the second set before revving up the crowd.
Popyrin maintained his hot form early in the third set, including nailing a breathtaking backhand lob.
When leading 3-2, Popyrin took a medical timeout to receive treatment on left calf cramp.
But pair went toe-to-toe in the third set until Popyrin earned four set points at 5-4, on Djokovic’s serve.
Djokovic held, then claimed the tiebreak.
At 2-2 in the fourth set, Djokovic took issue with a comment from a spectator, approaching the stands to tell them to “come here and say it to my face”.
An angry Djokovic proved Popyrin’s undoing as he reeled off the next three games.
Popyrin saved three match points on serve when trailing 5-2, forcing Djokovic to serve out the victory.
Djokovic will next face Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the third round.
-AAP
