Novak Djokovic advances, progress into fourth round for a 17th time

Novak Djokovic may not have been feeling his best Friday at the Australian Open, but that didn’t stop him from delivering a statement.

The record 10-time champion surged to a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 triumph against Tomas Machac to advance to the fourth round in Melbourne for a 17th time. Despite struggling physically, Djokovic overpowered and outfoxed the Czech 26th seed from the baseline to wrap up a clinical two-hour, 22-minute minute victory inside Rod Laver Arena.

“I think I played really well, honestly. I’m very happy with my game,” said Djokovic. “I am slightly surprised with the result, to beat him in straight sets… He was a break up early in the second, I struggled physically there. I tried to catch my breath, I’m not 19 anymore.

“I somehow managed to turn things around, hold my serve when I needed to. A couple of points really decided that set, which could have gone his way, then the outcome of the match would be different. Overall in the third set, I felt fresh, moved really well. I’m really pleased with my game. There is always something to work on, but this is definitely my best match of the tournament.”