By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday January 19, 2024
Novak Djokovic kept things drama free on Friday in Melbourne as he pushed past Tomas Martin Etcheverry in straight sets.
Photo Source: Getty
Novak Djokovic’s 100th match at the Australian Open was a lot like the first 99. Measured aggression, bulletproof defense, passion, energy and… victory.
The World No.1 improved to 92-8 lifetime at Melbourn with a 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(2) victory over Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry, and advanced to the round of 16 for the 16th time.
Only two other players -- Roger Federer (107) and Serena Williams (105) -- have contested more matches at the Australian Open.
Djokovic’s first two matches at this year’s Australian Open were complicated by spirited aggression from his opponents. Friday’s encounter wasn’t all that different but Djokovic was a level higher as he managed all the challenges that Etcheverry’s grinding game presented and locked down his victory in two hours and 28 minutes.
Djokovic cracked ten aces, won 49 of 47 first-serve points and hit 34 winners to record his 31st consecutive win at the Australian Open. The 36-year-old living legend has not lost in Melbourne since 2018.
24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic is bidding for a record 11th title at the Australian Open this year. He will face either Ben Shelton or Adrian Mannarino in the fourth round – the pair were just about to head into a fifth and deciding set as Djokovic finished off his latest triumph.
It was a hard-fought contest between Djokovic and Etcheverry, but the Serb controlled the run of play throughout. The Grand Slam guru never faced a break point and converted three of seven of his break opportunities across the contest with the 24-year-old.
Djokovic broke for 4-2 in the opening set and never looked back. In the second set he broke for 2-1, then closed out the set with an insurance break for 6-3.
The final set didn’t feature any breaks, as Djokovic took it by winning his 326th career tiebreak, closing the battle with ace No.10 and celebrating in his happy place at the Happy Slam – a fitting way to reach the century mark of matches on the court that he has dominated like no other player.
More to follow...