Melbourne, Jan 17 (UNI) Novak Djokovic overcame physical discomfort to storm into the Australian Open’s last 16 after a comprehensive straight sets victory over 26th seed Tomas Machac on Friday.
The 10-time tournament champion sought medical attention early in the second set, appearing to be troubled by his abdomen. But he pushed through and blasted past Machac 6-1, 6-4, 6-4, sealing his masterful performance with a sublime backhand winner. His defensive prowess subdued Machac’s flair with the Czech’s sublime shotmaking few and far between.
The seventh seed Djokovic remains on track for a record 25th Grand Slam title and will next play 24th seed Jiri Lehecka.
“I think I played really well. I’m very happy with my game,” he said. “I was slightly surprised with the result. I struggled physically (in the second set) but managed to turn things around.”
The 37-year-old was heavily favored, but had lost to Machac in three sets last year on the Geneva clay court.
The 24-year-old is a player on the rise having reached the fourth round of last year’s US Open, his best result in a Grand Slam. But Machac had a lacklustre start and the writing was on the wall down 0-40 in his opening service game. He did warm to the task and found his range to level at 1-1, but was then helpless as Djokovic reeled off five straight games.
Machac had no answers. He tried to fire himself up in the fifth game after winning a 25-shot tally only for Djokovic to respond with an incredible crosscourt forehand winner. He put his finger behind his ear – replicating Machac’s gesture after winning the previous point – and appealed to the boisterous crowd to increase the volume.
After capturing two breaks, Djokovic sealed the set when Machac netted a forehand leaving his new coach Andy Murray grinning from ear to ear in his courtside seat. But the match took a twist early in the second set with Djokovic clutching at his abdominal on several occasions and hunched over his racquet for a breather.
Machac capitalized and broke serve but could not consolidate against a lethargic Djokovic, who received medical attention after the third game. But Djokovic, famed for his ability to push through
the pain barrier, was not limited in his movement. He had the crowd in the palm of his hands after producing a remarkable backhand crosscourt winner as he once again enthusiastically interacted with the fans.
With Djokovic in the zone, the second set was a formality despite facing a break point when trying to close it out.
Machac double faulted twice in a dismal opening game of the third set and his hopes faded fast as Djokovic sprinted to the finish line.
