Djokovic dominates Machac to reach Australian Open fourth round

Ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic delivered a masterclass performance at Rod Laver Arena, dispatching Czech challenger Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the second week at Melbourne Park for a remarkable 17th time.

After dropping sets in his opening two matches, the 37-year-old seventh seed demonstrated his championship caliber with a vintage display. The world number 25 Machac, who had previously defeated Djokovic on clay in Geneva last year, managed just one break of serve early in the second set.

"I think I played really well, I'm very happy with my game," said Djokovic after sealing victory with a trademark backhand winner. "There's always something to improve but this is definitely the best match I've played in the tournament so far."

The Serbian legend, playing under new coach Andy Murray, quickly nullified Machac's lone breakthrough and, following a brief medical consultation, dominated the next three games. The sequence included a spectacular point culminating in a backhand crosscourt winner that exemplified Djokovic's superiority throughout the match.

When questioned about the on-court treatment he received early in the second set, Djokovic playfully remarked, "I was trying to catch my breath. I'm not 19 any more."

The 24-time Grand Slam champion's path to another Melbourne title continues with a fourth-round clash against 24th seed Jiri Lehecka, with potential world number one Carlos Alcaraz - the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion - waiting in the quarter-finals.

SportsLigue