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Djokovic defies pain to beat Machac, storm into round of 16, at Australian Open

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Novak Djokovic overcame physical discomfort to storm into the Australian Open's round of 16, after a comprehensive straight-sets victory over 26th seed Tomas Machac on Friday.

The 10-time champion at Melbourne Park sought medical attention early in the second set, appearing to be troubled by his abdomen. But the Serbian 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 usually-excellent array of shots few and far between.

Novak Djokovic hits a shot against Tomas Machac in the men's singles third round at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, January 17, 2025. /CFP
Novak Djokovic hits a shot against Tomas Machac in the men's singles third round at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, January 17, 2025. /CFP

Novak Djokovic hits a shot against Tomas Machac in the men's singles third round at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, January 17, 2025. /CFP

Machac got off to a lackluster start, and the writing was already on the wall when he went down 40-0 in his opening service game. He later warmed to the task, and found his range to pull 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 rally, 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 spectators to turn up the volume.

After converting 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 abdomen on several occasions, and hunching over his racquet to catch his breath. Machac capitalized and broke his serve, but could not make any more headway against a lethargic Djokovic, who received medical attention after the third game.

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 while trying to close it out. Machac double faulted twice in a dismal opening game in the third set, and his hopes faded fast as Djokovic sprinted to the finish line.

The seventh seed remains on track for a record 25th Grand Slam title and will next play 24th seed Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency
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