Novak Djokovic Advances to Next Round of Australian Open After Tough Match Against Alexei Popyrin; Preps for Showdown with Tomás Etcheverry

Novak Djokovic (number 1 in the ATP ranking) fought harder than expected, but he achieved his goal and advanced to the next round of the Australian Open after beating local Alexei Popyrin (43rd in the world ranking) 6-3, 4-6 , 7-6 (4) and 6-3. Now, the Serbian will clash against the Argentine Tomás Etcheverry, to whom he dedicated some words.

Read also: Etcheverry beat Monfils, went to the third round of the Australian Open and will face Novak Djokovic

“He (Tomás Etcheverry) is playing the best tennis of his life. He’s a great guy. I get along well with him and his team. But on the field we will be rivals. We both want to win,” said the 36-year-old tennis player after his victory in the second round.

Novak Djokovic points at a spectator during his match against Alexei Popyrin in the second round of the Australian Open, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Melbourne. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)By: AP

During the game the Serbian looked a bit annoying. So much so that he confronted a spectator with “come and say it to my face.” “I haven’t been playing at my best this week. It is frustrating to have those atypical errors on the court, given the level of play I have,” Nole explained after the match.

Read also: Video: Tomás Etcheverry’s crazy celebration after qualifying for the third round of the Australian Open

“Can I be satisfied? I can be with the victory, but not too much with my tennis. Likewise, it is normal to go through these types of periods. You have to accept it. I hope things improve as the tournament progresses,” said the Serbian.

Djokovic complained about the atmosphere

“There wasn’t a great atmosphere to play today. They were shouting between the first and second serves throughout the match,” Nole said, referring to the crowd.

When will Djokovic vs. Tomás Etcheverry for the Australian Open

Djokovic and Tomás Etcheverry will meet on Friday. The Argentine comes into this match after beating Frenchman Gaël Monfils, current number 76, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The Serbian and the Argentine already played twice, in which the Nole emerged victorious.

Also read: Andre Agassi had a romantic gesture with Steffi Graf in the middle of the Australian Open

The first took place in the second round of the ATP Masters 100 in Rome, in May 2023, where Djokovic beat Etcheverry 7-6, 6-2. The second and last time was in the same instance, but at the ATP Masters 1000 in Paris, in November of last year, and the Serbian won 6-3 and 6-2.

2024-01-17 16:56:31
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