Novak Djokovic narrowly avoided a loss for the second consecutive match, advancing to the third round of the Australian Open. The reigning champion, who battled through his longest first-round match at a grand slam on Sunday, had to defend four set points on his serve to prevent going down 2-1 to Australia’s Alexei Popyrin.
The top-ranked player in the world ultimately won the third set in a tie-break and seemed to be motivated by a conversation with a spectator in the fourth set, leading to a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-3 triumph on Rod Laver Arena.
The 10-time champion’s request for the removal of a spectator was uncertain, but Nick Kyrgios, a former Wimbledon finalist and current TV commentator, stated on Eurosport, “If you want, Novak, I’ll personally escort him out of this commentary box.”
Djokovic later described the situation, stating that he did not want to disclose what was said. He mentioned that there were numerous comments directed towards him during the match, specifically from one corner and the opposite corner. Despite enduring it for the majority of the match, he chose to address it afterwards.
I reached a breaking point and confronted him, inviting him to speak to me directly. However, he lacked the bravery to do so. I challenged him to prove his toughness by facing me and having an open conversation about the issue.
Popyrin regretted not being able to capitalize on any of his four opportunities to win the ninth game of the third set. In his post-match interview, Djokovic commented, “He had a simple forehand and he missed it. I didn’t do anything exceptional, I was fortunate to escape that game. He was the superior player for a set and a half. The momentum changed in the tie-break, and I was able to place one more shot in the court than he did, but that’s all.”
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“I believe I performed exceptionally well in certain moments, but I also give credit to my opponent for strategically executing the right game plan and having a strong serve. He deserves a round of applause for his impressive performance.”
“I have not been performing at my peak, especially in the initial rounds. When facing opponents who have no pressure, they often give their all on the center court. Both my first and second round opponents were highly skilled tennis players, but I was able to find a way to secure the win. As the tournament continues, I hope to improve and grow.”
Djokovic’s form will offer some hope to his third-round opponent, Argentina’s Tomás Martín Etcheverry. “I was feeling a lot of mixed emotions on the court, not a great atmosphere to play in for me,” Djokovic told Eurosport. “It’s frustrating when you have the hecklers.”
