10-time champion Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the Australian Open after defeating Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2 in his second match in Melbourne.
It was a record-breaking 430th Grand Slam match for the Serb, equaling Roger Federer's all-time record. He struggled against Faria in the second set, which the Portuguese played at a high level and managed to prevail in a tiebreak. Djokovic dominated the other three sets, clinching victory after exactly three hours of play.
The record holder for Grand Slam titles dropped a set in his second consecutive match and will face Czech Tomas Mahach in the third round, who defeated American Riley Opelka in five sets.
World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz put in much less effort to defeat Japan's Ypishito Nishioka 6-0, 6-1, 6-4. The Spaniard took the opening nine games to take control of the match, then had no problem closing out the match after an hour and 21 minutes of play. Alcaraz will compete for a place in the round of 16 with Portugal's Nuno Borges, who defeated the home team's Jordan Thompson in three sets.
Benjamin Bonzi (France) and Jiri Lehecska (Czech Republic) continue to advance in the men's draw, meeting in the third round. | BGNES
