Australia Open: Djokovic wins a tough test

Melbourne: Veteran Novak Djokovic breathed a sigh of relief as he eased past Alexey Popin in a tough Australian Open second-round test on Wednesday. But in the women's singles, sixth seed Annes Jaber and former champion Caroline Wozniacki were the rising stars of Russia.

The Serbian superstar, who is seeking an 11th crown at Melbourne Park, was given a tough fight by the host nation. But Djokovic, who is known for not giving up easily, eventually won the match 6–3, 4–6, 7–6 (7/4), 6–3 after three hours of battle.

In the first round as well, the 36-year-old lost a set against Croatia's Dino Prizmic. “Both the players I faced were quality players. Anyway, I took the winning route. In the end, it will come to the same calculation,' said the current champion who is expecting a record 25th Grand Slam title. They have never lost here since 2018.

Sabalenka leads: Defending women's champion Arina Sabalenka beat 16-year-old Czech Brenda Fruvirto 6–3, 6–2. Coco Goff (USA), ranked fourth in the women's category, Yannick Sinner in the men's category, and Andrey Rublev, ranked fifth in the men's category, also reached the third round with easy wins. Stephanos Tsippus, who lost in the final last year, also advanced.

In the match held at the Rod Laver Arena, 16-year-old Russian player Mira Andreeva defeated Jaber 6-0, 6-2 in 54 minutes. 20-year-old qualifier Timofeeva also produced an inspired performance to beat 2018 champion Wozniacki 1–6, 6–4, 6–1.

US Open champion Goff defeated compatriot Caroline Dollyhead 7–6 (7/2), 6–2.