Serb worried by leg injury as path to a 22nd Grand Slam title opens up
Novak Djokovic of Serbia. Picture: CLIVE BRUNSKILL/GETTY IMAGES
Nine-time Melbourne Park champion Djokovic was delayed only slightly by an inspired second set from French qualifier Enzo Couacaud in his 6-1 6-7 6-2 6-0 victory, but was troubled by his heavily strapped left thigh., Djokovic will fear few opponents on the blue courts where he is unbeaten since 2018, but only if his hamstring holds out.
Women’s second seed Ons Jabeur also departed after an error-strewn performance against former French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova, but there were wins for title contenders Aryna Sabalenka, Caroline Garcia and Belinda Bencic. Brooksby’s win was followed by Michael Mmoh stunning German former world number two Alexander Zverev 6-7 6-4 6-3 6-2 to make it eight American men in the third round.
There was also early American success in the women's draw when Katie Volynets stunned ninth seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-4 2-6 6-2 to become the first US qualifier to reach the third round since Lindsay Davenport in 1993.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Djokovic barrels into Australian Open third round as seeds fallWith top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz also absent through injury, it presents a huge opportunity for Djokovic, who even before that was hot favourite to win a 10th Melbourne crown.
Read more »
Nadal 'destroyed mentally' as Aussie Open ends with another injuryNadal 'destroyed mentally' as Aussie Open ends with another injury: Rafa Nadal said he would plot a path back to the tour once he has a firm prognosis for the troubling hip problem that cut short his Australian Open, while conceding the growing weight of…
Read more »
Nadal 'destroyed mentally' as Aussie Open ends with another injuryRafa Nadal said he would plot a path back to the tour once he has a firm prognosis for the troubling hip problem that cut short his Australian Open, while conceding the growing weight of injuries was taking a heavy toll.
Read more »
Nadal 'destroyed mentally' as Aussie Open ends with another injuryRafa Nadal said he would plot a path back to the tour once he has a firm prognosis for the troubling hip problem that cut short his Australian Open, while conceding the growing weight of injuries was taking a heavy toll.
Read more »
Ruud beaten to boost Djokovic title charge at Australian OpenSecond-seeded Ruud needed a medical timeout and was always struggling against hard-hitting Jenson Brooksby, the Norwegian going down 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (4/7), 6-2.
Read more »
Djokovic feels the love during dominant opening victoryNovak Djokovic soaked up thunderous applause in his first match back at the Australian Open after last year's deportation drama, as the nine-times champion outclassed Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3 6-4 6-0 yesterday in a flawless start to his title bid.
Read more »