Novak Djokovic weathered a formidable challenge to progress to the Australian Open's third round, overcoming home favorite Alexei Popyrin in a gripping encounter.
Despite Djokovic's admission of being "a bit under the weather" after a prolonged first-round battle, he showcased trademark mental fortitude to secure a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 victory.
While the Serbian maestro initially dominated, his unforced errors surged in the second set, leading to a rare break in the fourth game.
Popyrin, seemingly squandering his opportunity to level, rallied impressively with a backhand lob, igniting the crowd.
Djokovic, facing sporadic challenges and health concerns, navigated the turbulence to remain on course for a historic 25th Grand Slam title.
Popyrin asked for a medical timeout when leading 3-2 in the third set and received treatment on his left calf, accompanied by a Mexican wave among the fans.
In a pivotal moment during the 10th game, Novak Djokovic faced a challenging situation with three uncharacteristic unforced errors, offering Alexei Popyrin three set points.
However, Popyrin couldn't capitalise, missing a fourth opportunity, and Djokovic, showing his resilience, leveled the game in an intense 10-minute battle.
The 36-year-old Serbian then secured a firm grip on the match by winning the tie-break, while Popyrin received additional treatment for his leg.
Despite a brief altercation with fans in the fourth set, Djokovic refocused, breaking to love in the sixth game and ultimately sealing the victory when Popyrin sent a shot long.
With 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic stands as the most decorated player in men's tennis, and he aims for an 11th Australian Open title to surpass Margaret Court on the all-time list of majors.
(With AFP inputs)
