MELBOURNE (Australia): Eight-time champion Novak Djokovic struggled against American Frances Tiafoe at the Australian Open on Wednesday before winning 6-3, 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/2), 6-3.
Djokovic was given a stern examination and dropped his first set of the tournament.
“I was fortunate to get through the third set today, it was anybody’s game,” said the defending champion, after his win in hot conditions in Rod Laver Arena.
The top seed looked in control after taking the first set, but lightning-quick Tiafoe, who reached the quarter-finals two years ago, refused to go away.
The defending champion is targeting a record-extending ninth title and his 18th Grand Slam trophy overall as he snaps at the heels of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who top the all-time list with 20 each.
In the women’s competition, favourite Naomi Osaka also charged through but fellow major winners Bianca Andreescu and Petra Kvitova were all second-round casualties.
However, Serena Williams made serene progress in her bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.
