Australian Open 2021: Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams progress
Men's world number one Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the Australian Open 2021 in Melbourne. The Serb survived a scare against Frances Tiafoe in a four-set duel. Djokovic, who is vying for a ninth Australian Open crown, was joined by Serena Williams. The veteran women's singles star dispatched Nina Stojanovic 6-3, 6-0. Here we present the key details.
Djokovic beats Tiafoe in four sets
Djokovic won his second-round match 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena. He will face the winner of the all-American clash between Reilly Opelka and Taylor Fritz next. In hot conditions, Djokovic battled past the challenge and served 26 aces to Tiafoe's 23. The 33-year-old star came through in three hours and 30 minutes.
It was a fantastic match, says Djokovic
Djokovic highlighted the difficulties conditions and also lauded Tiafoe for his fight. "It was a very tough match and difficult conditions, while we had sun on the court it was very warm a lot of long rallies," Djokovic said. "I want to give a hand to Frances for a great fightback, it was a fantastic match."
Thiem progresses to third round, Wawrinka ousted
Men's number three seed Dominic Thiem progressed to the third round of the Australian Open after an easy win over Germany's Dominik Koepfer. Thiem beat his opponent 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 in one hour and 39 minutes. Earlier in the day, Marton Fucsovics saved three match points to overcome former champion Stan Wawrinka 7-5, 6-1, 4-6, 2-6, 7-6 in a five-set thriller.
Brilliant Serena cruises past Stojanovic
Serena, who is still on the hunt to equal Margaret Court's 24 career Grand Slams, dispatched Stojanovic in just 69 minutes on Rod Laver Arena. Notably, she twisted her right ankle in the first set and had heavy strapping applied to it. She received further treatment to her already taped left knee. The tearful 40-year-old battled past the pain to dispatch the Serbian.
Several shocking results in women's singles third round
The women's singles saw several upsets on Day 3. Czech ninth seed Petra Kvitova, who reached the final in 2019, was stunned 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 by Sorana Cirstea of Romania. Hsieh Su-wei got past eighth seed Bianca Andreescu 6-3. 6-2 in one hour and 23 minutes. Meanwhile, Venus Williams lost to Sara Errani 0-6, 1-6.
Women's singles: Here are the other crucial results
Third seed Naomi Osaka beat Caroline Garcia 6-2, 6-3. 14th seed Garbine Muguruza battled past Ludmilla Samsonova in a 6-3, 6-1 affair. Belarusian seventh seed Aryna Sabalenka also advanced, beating Daria Kasatkina 7-6, 6-3.
