NEW DELHI: A determined Novak Djokovic stormed into the last 16 of the Australian Open on Friday, delivering a commanding performance that underlined his status as a 10-time Melbourne champion. However, the 37-year-old required a medical timeout and used an inhaler during the match.
After dropping a set in each of his first two matches, Djokovic came out with renewed purpose against the dangerous 26th-seeded Czech, Tomas Machac.
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The Serb dismantled his 24-year-old opponent in straight sets, winning 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 in 2 hours and 22 minutes.
This victory marked Djokovic’s 66th appearance in the last 16 of a Grand Slam, putting him just three behind Roger Federer’s record of 69 and well ahead of Rafael Nadal’s 54.
Next, Djokovic will face another Czech, Jiri Lehecka, who advanced after defeating France’s Benjamin Bonzi in straight sets. A potential blockbuster quarterfinal against Carlos Alcaraz looms if Djokovic progresses further.
“I think I played really well, honestly. Very happy with my game,” said the seventh seed. “I was slightly surprised to beat him in straight sets. He was a break up in the second, and I struggled physically, but I managed to turn it around. In the third set, I felt fresh, moved well, and was very pleased with my performance. There’s always room for improvement, but this was definitely my best match of the tournament.”
With his new coach Andy Murray providing support from the stands, Djokovic began with a focused intensity. The match stayed on serve until the fourth game, where Djokovic broke Machac to move ahead 3-1. The veteran then went on a tear, winning three consecutive games to seal the first set.
In the second set, Djokovic was broken early but responded immediately with a break of his own. Leading 2-1, he called for medical treatment and used an inhaler before resuming play. He broke Machac again for a 3-2 lead and maintained his composure to close out the set, celebrating with a fist pump and a roar to the crowd.
“I was trying to catch my breath,” he said afterward. “I’m not 19 anymore — more like 19 times two, almost.”
Djokovic left the court between sets, and upon his return, a Machac double fault gifted him an early advantage in the third. The Serb never looked back, cruising to victory with a commanding performance.
Last year, Djokovic was stopped in the Melbourne semifinals by eventual champion Jannik Sinner, ending a streak of winning at least one major every year since 2017. His dominant display against Machac serves as a reminder that he remains a force to be reckoned with as he pursues a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
