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On a day of many upsets, Novak Djokovic proved why he remains favourite for the Australian Open title.
An injury scare during the second set couldn't deter Novak Djokovic's chances of progressing to the third round, reacting well to defeat Enzo Couacaud 6-1 6-7(5) 6-2 6-0.
The Serbian started the match in convincing way taking the first set in 6-1, but Couacaud fought his way back to take the second set 6-7(5), though Djokovic needed an off-court medical timeout for his hamstring issues.
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Back on court, the multiple Grand Slam winner won the third set 6-2 and then breezed through the fourth 6-0.
His win makes it 23 straight wins at Rod Laver Arena - his longest winning streak on the court. It is also his 36th career victory on Australian soil.
In his off-court interview, Djokovic gave his assesment on the match and how it was difficult playing in the extreme conditions, which saw both players injured at a point and interrupptions during play.
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"A little bit of everything tonight. I 'm just glad to get through this kind of match in four sets. Obviously one has to get through in three, but credit to him for playing some really good Tennis.
There was the end of the second some really interesting circumstances that you have to deal with, but you know I guess that's Grand Slam night sessions, it can be electric in both positive and negative way for a player on the court and you just have to accept it and try to get the most out of it."
And on the tricky extreme conditions which was 15 degrees with the balls a bit heavy. "The balls are a bit slower this year than a few years ago when I played las,t and I think quite a few players complained about it. Not that I'm complaining but Im just saying the balls are slower in this kind of conditions makes it tougher to penetrate through the court and make winners."
Djokovic also gave update on his hamstring injury. "To be honest it's not good at all. I'll take it day to day. It was better last match feeling than tonight; that's all I can say now. It's really up to God to help me, the physio, and everyone. Yea, let's take it day by day, I don't know, but I hope I'll be able to recover and be ready for a top match in the next match," he concluded.
Numerous upsets makes the tournament more open
Jenson Brooksby defeated the No. 2 seed Casper Ruud 6-3 7-5 6-7 6-2 to reach the third round.
Alex De Minaur found a way past Adrian Mannarino 7-6 4-6 6-4 6-1 to qualify for the third round.
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Benjamin Bonzi came back from two sets down to beat No. 14 seed Pablo Carreno Busta 4-6 4-6 7-6(5) 6-1 7-6 (10-4) and reach the third round.
Meanwhile in the women's event, Marketa Vondrousova - 2019 Roland Garros runner-up and Olympic Silver medallist, overcame N0. 2 seed Ons Jabeur - runner-up of the last two Grand Slams 6-1 5-7 6-1 to reach the third round of the tournament.
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