Djokovic survives Popyrin scare to keep AO hopes alive

Novak Djokovic chalked up his 30th consecutive win at the Australian Open to move into the third round for the 16th time.

The 10 time Australian Open champion held off home favourite Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4) 6-3.

The Serb was in danger of going 2 sets to 1 down but he stubbornly saved four set points from 0-40 at 4-5  down in the third set before sailing on to victory, relatively unchallenged.

Djokovic however was visibly affected by a wrist problem that has hampered him for several weeks, and also struggling with a cold clearly affecting his form.

When questioned  about those concerns by Eurosport commentator, Djokovic admitted that he is not 100 per cent fit.

He was also heckled by a spectator during the match whom he quickly put down shouting “Come and say that in my face!”

In his post match interview Djokovic said of his opponent “He had quite an easy forehand and he missed it,” when interrogated about his escape at the end of the third set.

“I didn’t do anything special, and I was lucky on that point, on that game, to get away.

He was the better player I think for a set and a half. In the second set and third set he was the better player.

“Things changed around, and the momentum shifted in the tie-break. I managed to put the ball more in the court than he did.

I don’t think I played at the highest level. In some instances yes, but also credit to him for tactically coming up with the right game plan and serving big.

He deserves a big round of applause.”

The world No 1 will next face Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who knocked out Andy Murray in the first round