Novak Djokovic in spat with fan before sealing place in Australian Open third round
Novak Djokovic pushed through physical issues, a snotty nose and a spat with a fan to beat the spirited efforts of home hero Alexei Popyrin at the Australian Open.
Djokovic was not at his best for most of the match, but he was in fighting form when it came to confronting the jeering fans at Melbourne Park. After keeping his own counsel for three sets, he approached the stands early in the fourth set and told a vocal punter, “You want to come here? Come say it to my face.”
The fan, unsurprisingly, declined and Djokovic turned back to the court to bat down Popyrin’s attempts at a comeback and reach the third round.
The 6-3 4-6 7-6(4) 6-3 victory marked Djokovic’s 30th consecutive win in Melbourne. His dominance at this tournament, which he has won 10 times, is astounding but that was not on display for the majority of Wednesday’s match.
During the second and third set Djokovic was flat, misfiring his forehand and was seen flexing the wrist that was giving him trouble in the build-up to this tournament. He was pictured blowing his nose during changeovers too, appearing to still be struggling with a cold which had affected him in the first round too.
Afterwards, Djokovic said the feisty moment with the crowd member helped him to find the level he needed. It definitely fired him up, and he addressed it in an interview on Eurosport with Nick Kyrgios - who has had his fair share of run-ins with fans too.
"Don't poke the bear" 👀
Novak Djokovic responds to a member of the crowd looking to get under his skin 🍿 pic.twitter.com/1S9wQxwemg— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 17, 2024
“People were making noise between first and second serve the entire match, but what really frustrates me is when somebody’s heckling,” Djokovic said. “So I confront the hecklers, and I think you Kygs [Kyrgios] loved that. I invited the guy to come and say it to my face and he was apologising far away and all of a sudden there’s absence of courage when he needs to face me.”
“Maybe that was [what I] needed. I don’t know,” he told reporters of the exchange in the press room after. “Look, I don’t want to be in those types of situations. Maybe that was needed for me to be shaken up a bit and start to find the kind of intensity on the court that I needed to have all match.
“People pay tickets to come and watch us. They want to see the show. They want to have fun. They’re allowed to do that. I never asked anyone to leave the stadium. I never asked the chair umpire to take somebody out. I wouldn’t do that because he paid his ticket, and he has the right to be there and say what he wants to say and behave how he wants to behave. But if somebody crosses the line, I’m going to take it to him. Offend me, insult me as he did.”
Kyrgios offered his services live on air “to jump into the crowd and sort it for you, I’ve got your back 100 per cent”. Though Djokovic did not take him up on the bodyguard services, he does look rather more in need of a miracle cure to whatever is denting his game this week.
This is the first time since the US Open in 2018 that he has dropped sets in both the first and second round of a major. This win over Popyrin lasted 50 minutes less than the four-hour marathon he played in the opening round on Sunday, but Djokovic remained far from his best.
After Djokovic took the first set comfortably, his opponent started to bring a new level to Rod Laver Arena and the crowd loved it. Popyrin is a huge server, helped by his 196cm frame, but he also showed he can move too. He used the net to his advantage at key moments and recovered from blowing set points to eventually win the second set with a delightful lob.
As he made this match a real contest, the crowd came alive. Djokovic meanwhile was not enjoying himself. A 74-minute tussle ensued in the third set, with Popyrin by far the better player for much of it. But somehow, some way, Djokovic prevailed.
As Kyrgios said on commentary, Djokovic had no right winning that set but Popyrin also threw away his chance. The 10th game may just give the 24-year-old nightmares. He had four set points, but made errors as Djokovic found the lines. Then the 24-time major champion did what he so often does: turned up for the tiebreak and broke Popyrin’s spirit in the process.
Once he was two sets to one up there was practically no chance of stopping him - sniffly nose, or not. He has not lost from that position since the Australian Open 2017 and he swept through to his 16th third-round appearance in Melbourne.
There he will face 30th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who has beaten Djokovic’s contemporaries Andy Murray and Gael Monfils comfortably, and at the very least looked far fitter than the Serb this week.
Djokovic, 36, acknowledged his relatively low level post-match: “Look, I haven’t been playing or feeling at my best the last, whatever, week or so. It’s frustrating at times with kind of the level of tennis that I’m playing on the court and some uncharacteristic mistakes that I make. At the same time, that’s sport.
“You can’t always feel your best or play your best, and you have to find a way to win, which I did against the two players that possess great quality, who came out on the court knowing that they can win. Can I be satisfied? I can be satisfied with the win. With my tennis, not so much. But it’s normal to go through these kind of periods or circumstances. You just have to embrace it, try to accept what it is, and build from there.”
Djokovic overcomes dispute with fan to beat Alexei Popyrin: as it happened
01:44 PM GMT
Djokovic - 30 Australian Open wins in a row
Krueger
Tsonga
Shapovalov
Medvedev
Nishikori
Pouille
Nadal
Struff
Ito
Nishioka
Schwartzman
Raonic
Federer
Thiem
Chardy
Tiafoe
Fritz
Raonic
Zverev
Karatsev
Medvedev
Roberto Carballés Baena
Couacaud
Dimitrov
De Minaur
Rublev
Paul
Tsitipas
Prizmic
Popyrin
01:34 PM GMT
Djokovic reacts
He had quite an easy forehand and he missed it. I didn’t do anything special – he was a better player for a set and a half.
Things changed around and the momentum shifted in the tie-break. I put one more ball in the court than he did.
I don’t think I played at the highest level. Credit to him for tactically coming out with the right game plan and serving big.
He deserves a big round of applause.
01:21 PM GMT
WATCH: The winning moment for Djokovic
Novak Clutchovic 💪
The moment @DjokerNole made it 30 wins in a row #AusOpen@AustralianOpen #AusOpen
pic.twitter.com/nPcUz2yENm— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 17, 2024
01:14 PM GMT
Djokovic enjoyed that
01:07 PM GMT
Twitter reacts
Novak Djokovic makes his opponents play to their absolute limits, redline their games, lights out tennis... Then he beats them anyway.
Nobody else like him in all of sports.— Scott Barclay (@BarclayCard18) January 17, 2024
Even with a win, Djokovic looks as vulnerable as ever. Yes, AO is his house but having back to back grueling matches in first 2 rounds is a red flag.
— H.Y. (@itnw0628) January 17, 2024
Djokovic showing his greatness once again. Played a poor match by his standards - clearly affected by the flu and that niggling wrist injury - but managed to snatch a third set he had absolutely no right to win and saw it out in the fourth.
🐐— Taylor O’Higgins (@TaylorOnSport) January 17, 2024
12:59 PM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 Popyrin
Popyrin errors move Djokovic to 30-0. A big serve down the T is unreturned and it’s three match points.
Popyrin saves the first when Djokovic nets a backhand. Popyrin forehand long. GAME SET MATCH DJOKOVIC!
Djokovic turns around and roars at the spectators. They poked the bear out of his slump.
12:55 PM GMT
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 5-3 Popyrin
Popyrin’s head has gone here. He’s played well and put on a good show but his level has disappeared.
Three match points for Djokovic. Popyrin saves the first two. A third? Yes! He hammers down an ace into the corner.
Popyrin asks Djokovic to serve it out as he rediscovers a second wind and his first serve to hold.
12:49 PM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 5-2 Popyrin*
Djokovic is back and rolling. He holds to 15 when Popyrin nets a forehand return.
The champ is a game away from a place in the third round.
12:46 PM GMT
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 4-2 Popyrin
This is where Djokovic thrives. Lives in the chaos. Helps him to energise him and destabilise his opponent. The bear has been poked.
He earns himself three set points and only needs one as Popyrin goes long.
He’s won 8 of the last 10 points.
12:41 PM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 3-2 Popyrin*
Djokovic goes to the far end and goes at a spectator. I think he told the person: ‘come and say that to my face’. Djokovic is not amused by whatever he’s heard.
He loses focus but regains it to hold to 30.
Novak Djokovic engages with a member of the crowd looking to get under his skin 👀🍿#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/jLCWNe9lLE
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 17, 2024
12:36 PM GMT
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 2-2 Popyrin
The run of love holds ends after Popyrin nets a backhand, 30-15. But he responds with a sliced approach and forehand volley winner, 40-15. Old school chip and charge.
And Popyrin holds with an ace. Djokovic stretches out his wrist again.
12:32 PM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 2-1 Popyrin*
Third consecutive love holds as Djokovic eases through another game. Whatever he was going through in the third set now seems to have gone.
12:31 PM GMT
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 1-1 Popyrin
Much needed service hold for Popyrin. He needs to find a way to recover and fight back.
Easier said than done though.
12:30 PM GMT
Latest update from Molly McElwee
A 74-minute mind-boggling set where, somehow and some way, Djokovic survived. As Nick Kyrgios said on comms, Djokovic had no right winning that set as Popyrin was by far the better player. But he did.
The 10th game of that third set may just give Popyrin nightmares. He had four set points, and will remember the fourth in particular, where Djokovic somehow nicked the tramline to force an error off the Australian’s racket.
Djokovic then did what he so often does: turned up for the tiebreak. He looked unbothered at some points of that set, was blowing his nose between games, seemed a bit low on energy and his forehand was unreliable. But he came alive to dominate Popyrin.
Djokovic leads 2-1, and has not lost from this position since the Australian Open 2017. Good luck Popyrin.
12:26 PM GMT
Fourth set: Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 1-0 Popyrin* (*denotes next server)
A reminder that from 4-5, 0-40 and four set points down, Djokovic won that set. Even when he is not feeling great, he finds away. And that’s why he is the best.
He holds to love with an ace.
12:20 PM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 Popyrin - TIEBREAK
Djokovic ace down the T, 5-2. Djokovic tests Popyrin with another overhead but the Australian keeps his head and finishes well, 5-3.
Popyrin forehand winner, 5-4. Two serves on Djokovic’s racket to win the set. Popyrin backhand into the net, 6-4.
Djokovic at his best, dragging his opponent all over and Popyrin puts a defensive forehand wide, 7-4.
Djokovic 𝐀𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒 finds a way 👏💪#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/aUbSJeT4HH
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 17, 2024
12:15 PM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 6-6 Popyrin - TIEBREAK
Forehand long by Popyrin, 1-0. Big return by Popyrin, he steps inside and finishes the point with a forehand winner, 1-1.
Popyrin has a look at passing Djokovic but nets the backhand, 2-1. Big first serve unreturned by Djokovic, 2-2. Bad miss by Popyrin as he puts a forehand into the tramlines, 3-2.
Popyrin backhand volley, Djokovic reaches it and whips a forehand winner down the line, 4-2.
12:10 PM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 6-6 Popyrin*
Tiebreak it is as Djokovic holds to 15. The most important tiebreak of Popyrin’s career coming up.
12:06 PM GMT
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 5-6 Popyrin
Great response to missing those opportunities by Popyrin as he holds to 15.
He’s guaranteed himself at least a tiebreak.
12:03 PM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 5-5 Popyrin*
Djokovic opens the game with a fifth forehand unforced error, 0-15. Djokovic is given a makeable volley but dumps it into the net, 0-30. Way too causal from the champ.
Three set points for Popyrin after Djokovic nets a forehand again. This is so unusual.
Djokovic saves the first with an ace. Popyrin gets a look at a backhand down the line but places it in the tramlines. One final chance... Djokovic gets another volley and this time he makes it. Deuce.
Amazing return by Popyrin, he plays a forehand approach and Djokovic can’t get the ball into play, fourth set point.
Wow. How did Djokovic stay alive there?! He finds the sideline with a sliced backhand and Popyrin flicks a forehand wide, back to deuce. Massive hold by Djokovic as Popyrin nets a return.
Could not taking one of these set points be the turning point?
11:52 AM GMT
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 4-5 Popyrin
Timely ace by Popyrin, 30-15. Popyrin shanks an overhead and Djokovic forces him to hit another but he strikes it cleanly for a winner, 40-30.
Popyrin puts himself a game away from the set.
11:47 AM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 4-4 Popyrin*
Popyrin starting to target the Djokovic forehand more often. The Serbian looks a bit rattled by his struggles on that side.
But as we pass the two hour mark, Djokovic responds to the pressure by holding to 30.
The body language by Djokovic isn’t great.
11:40 AM GMT
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 3-4 Popyrin
Djokovic pulls out a tissue from his pocket and blows his nose. Seems like he is under the weather a little bit.
Nevertheless, Popyrin keeps his focus to hold to 15.
11:38 AM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 3-3 Popyrin*
Popyrin calls for the physio to look at what seems to be a calf problem. A medical timeout is called and Popyrin continues to receive treatment. It would be a big shame if his chances were hampered by this. We’ll see if there are obvious signs of problems with Popyrin.
Nothing wrong with Popyrin on this point as he punishes a short approach by Djokovic with a cross court forehand winner, 15-30.
Tennis gods are with Djokovic as he hits a forehand that clips the net cord and drops on Popyrin’s side of the court, 40-30. Popyrin forehand return long and Djokovic holds.
11:28 AM GMT
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 2-3 Popyrin
Great footwork by Popyrin to reach a good Djokovic lob and finish with an overhead winner, 15-15. Popyrin forehand into the net, 15-30. A massive couple of points coming up.
Popyrin responds to the moment by holding serve with a forehand winner.
11:25 AM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 2-2 Popyrin*
Djokovic looking something like his old self as he holds to love when Popyrin sends a backhand into the net.
11:20 AM GMT
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 1-2 Popyrin
If Popyrin has played better than this in his life I’d be shocked. He is purring right now and Djokovic looks a bit shellshocked.
25 shot rally, incredible tennis and Popyrin lobs Djokovic again, 40-15. Brilliant finish.
Game Popyrin after a great wide serve is unreturned by Djokovic. Popyrin runs to his chair and beckons the crowd to get on their feet.
He is feeling it right now!
11:16 AM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 1-1 Popyrin*
Popyrin continues to be in attack mode and Djokovic’s movement looks a bit sluggish to me. Perhaps he is feeling the effects of his long first round match.
Djokovic’s support box tries to rally their man after he completes a service hold to 30.
11:13 AM GMT
Latest update from Molly McElwee
Popyrin turned up the intensity after a meek first set. He was serving bigger and approaching the net, taking on each point on his own racket as the aggressor.
After Djokovic sprayed a few errors, Popyrin deservedly got the all important break, clinching it by chasing down a drop shot and beating the Serb at the net.
When he failed to serve it out a game later, tightening up at the crucial moment, you wondered if his short-lived fightback was over. But Djokovic got a bit sloppy down 5-4 and, with a little bit of help from the net cord and a delightful lob, Popyrin has levelled things up and made this match a contest. Game on.
11:11 AM GMT
Third set: Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 0-1 Popyrin (*denotes next server)
The question now is how long Popyrin keep this up and is Djokovic dealing with an issue?
What we do know is that this is a must win game for Popyrin. He has to start this set strongly, continue to be aggressive and attack Djokovic’s forehand.
Big serve, 205km/h, down the T beat Djokovic for an ace, 40-30. Another forehand error from Djokovic and Popyrin holds.
11:07 AM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6 Popyrin*
Wow. Djokovic is leaking errors from his forehand side and he gifts Popyrin two set points.
Djokovic saves the first with an ace down the T. BUT NOT THE SECOND!
Popyrin drags Djokovic to the net with a drop shot, the Serb reaches it and closes the net but Popyrin calmly lifts a lob over Djokovic head to take the set.
That was class. We have a match on here.
Hear the crowd ROAR 🦁
Alexei Popyrin takes second set against 10 time champ Novak Djokovic!@AustralianOpen #AusOpen
pic.twitter.com/uBbPHC0WiR— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 17, 2024
11:02 AM GMT
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-5 Popyrin
Nerves? Popyrin starts the game with a double fault. Then nets a forehand, 0-30. You can feel the tension. Djokovic was always going to make him work for this. Desperately needs a first serve. He hasn’t hit one yet.
Tight forehand into the net by Popyrin, three break points. Popyrin saves the first with an overhead winner. Then the second with an excellent first serve ace.
Popyrin finds a first serve, Djokovic gets the ball back into play and Popyrin pushes a forehand long. Djokovic breaks back.
He is inevitable.
10:56 AM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 3-5 Popyrin*
Nick Kyrgios wonders if Djokovic is struggling with his wrist given the number of forehand errors he is making. We’ll keep an eye out for that.
A backhand into the tramlines by Djokovic makes it 30-30. Djokovic settles himself, finds his first serve and holds to make Popyrin serve for it.
10:52 AM GMT
Djokovic* 6-3, 2-5 Popyrin
Popyrin is hitting his spots, serving much better and dominating. He holds to love again. That’s 11 points in a row on serve. He’s dropped just two in this set and he’s a game away from winning it.
10:50 AM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 2-4 Popyrin*
Normal service is resumed by Djokovic as he holds to love in just 77 seconds. He will be seething at dropping serve in the manner that he did.
10:48 AM GMT
Djokovic* 6-3, 1-4 Popyrin
It is not a break unless you consolidate and Popyrin backs it up with an impeccable service hold to love.
A long way to go but the momentum is with Popyrin at the moment. Can he keep it going?
10:46 AM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 1-3 Popyrin*
Two forehand errors by Djokovic makes it 0-30. Popyrin might not get a better chance to break here...
Third Djokovic forehand error and it’s two break points for Popyrin.Can he do it?
Djokovic dropshot, Popyrin reaches and flicks an angled forehand reply, Djokovic doesn’t do enough with his own response and that leaves an easy putaway volley for Popyrin to break. Great tennis!
The crowd are on their feet. Game on?
10:41 AM GMT
Djokovic* 6-3, 1-2 Popyrin
Better serving and ball striking from Popyrin as he continues his changed approach. He’s taking the ball much earlier and starting to rush Djokovic.
Popyrin holds to 15.
10:38 AM GMT
Latest update from Molly McElwee
After getting through a four-hour marathon in the first round, this opening set was as straightforward as Djokovic could have hoped. He faced zero threat on his serve, losing just three points in the entire set, and put pressure on big-serving Popyrin’s throughout.
Textbook Djokovic: minimal exertion until he pushed through the gears on a couple of key points, and that proved the difference. No drama yet, and Djokovic will want to keep it that way.
10:37 AM GMT
Djokovic 6-3, 1-1 Popyrin*
First bit of pressure on the Djokovic serve by Popyrin. He gets to 30-30 for the first time in the match. He won just three points in the first set.
Popyrin gets a look at a second serve but mis-hits it and the ball travels long. Bad miss. Another second serve by Djokovic and Popyrin nets a backhand return.
Opportunity wasted by Popyrin.
10:30 AM GMT
Second set: Djokovic* 6-3, 0-1 Popyrin (*denotes next server)
More aggressive play from Popyrin to open this set. He must know that he can’t get into extended rallies. Needs to pull the trigger as early and often as possible.
If that doesn’t work there’s not much else he can do. Good hold to 15 by the man from Sydney.
10:26 AM GMT
Djokovic 6-3 Popyrin*
Two set points for Djokovic but he requires only as after 39 minutes he seals the opening set when Popyrin nets a defensive forehand.
Uphill task for Popyrin now.
10:22 AM GMT
Djokovic* 5-3 Popyrin
Popyrin back under pressure on serve again. A forehand long makes it 15-30. He’s not getting enough first serves into play and Djokovic is all over him on the second.
Brutal 28 shot rally, Djokovic looking very comfortable, waiting for the error and it comes as Popyrin dumps a backhand into the net. Two break points.
Special point from Djokovic. He hits a full stretch backhand which Popyrin reaches and hits a short volley but Djokovic sprints up to it and whips a forehand winner into the corner.
Djokovic breaks!
"Best defender of all time?!" 🤯
Nick Kyrgios praises Novak Djokovic after this huge reach... and labels him a fellow "villain" 🦹♂️😏#AusOpen | @NickKyrgios pic.twitter.com/AonxZrErZO— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 17, 2024
10:16 AM GMT
Djokovic 4-3 Popyrin*
Djokovic mixing up his serve direction and speed to keep Popyrin off balance. Popyrin makes three return errors in a row then hits a forehand long to gift Djokovic another love hold.
Djokovic will want to break in the next game and serve for the set.
10:13 AM GMT
Djokovic* 3-3 Popyrin
More pressure being applied by Djokovic on the Popyrin serve. The Aussie hits back to back double faults and is facing break point. He needs to compose himself again.
Well played Popyrin. Good first serve and he finishes with a forehand volley winner, deuce.
Back-to-back ace from Popyring to hold serve. Gutsy tennis that.
10:09 AM GMT
Djokovic 3-2 Popyrin*
Such precise and clinical tennis from Djokovic. Popyrin is giving him next to no trouble on serve. Whereas we know Djokovic will always be in return games due to his greatness.
Djokovic holds to love.
10:04 AM GMT
Djokovic* 2-2 Popyrin
Great approach play from Popyrin. He pushes Djokovic wide with his serve, plays a forehand down the line and finishes with an overhead winner, 30-15.
Double fault Popyrin, break point Djokovic. Popyrin crucially finds his first serve and the ball swings away for an ace. Timely!
Popyrin forehand long, second break point. Another big first serve from Popyrin and he backs it up with a whipped forehand winner into the corner.
Ace by Popyrin to survive that early serve. Huge roar from the Aussie. He is pumped!
09:57 AM GMT
Djokovic 2-1 Popyrin*
Popyrin is having to cover a lot of ground in the early stages. He’s hitting shots very deep, basically with where the ‘Melbourne’ sign is at the far end. That tactic won’t work if he wants to win. He has to push up closer to the baseline.
Another routine hold for Djokovic.
09:54 AM GMT
Djokovic* 1-1 Popyrin
A high percentage of first serves will be critical for Popyrin today. He’ll also want to keep the rallies shorter because, from the back of the court, there’s only one winner.
Beautiful tough from the big man as he runs around a backhand and hits a disguised drop shot winner, 30-15.
Big serve down the T from Popyrin is unreturned by Djokovic and the Aussie holds.
09:50 AM GMT
First set: Novak Djokovic 1-0 Alexei Popyrin* (*denotes next server)
Nick Kyrgios on comms for Eurosport says he didn’t speak to Popyrin before the match for any advice. I’m not sure how much Popyrin would gain from that chat.
Djokovic holds to love in the opening game with a couple of aces.
09:41 AM GMT
Here we go!
Djokovic and Popyrin are on their way to court. Laura Robson reckons the champ got more cheers than the man from Sydney.
After starting the last match in all blue, Djokovic opts for a white t-shirt with blue shorts. The 36-year-old wins the coin toss and decides to serve first.
09:30 AM GMT
Next up...
... Djokovic vs Popyrin!
09:24 AM GMT
Defending champ Sabalenka beats 16-year-old Brenda Fruhvirtova 6-3, 6-2
09:20 AM GMT
Shelton blasts his way through
He LOVES it here 😤@BenShelton defeats Australian Chris O'Connell 6-4 6-1 3-6 7-6(5) to reach the third round. pic.twitter.com/bB0Wvivh6z
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2024
09:15 AM GMT
From high to low
On Monday, Caroline Garcia looked very impressive as she beat Naomi Osaka in straight sets.
Today, the 16th seed has crashed out of the tournament to Poland’s Magdalena Frech, beaten 6-4, 7-6 (2).
09:08 AM GMT
Shock of the day
Ons Jabeur suffered a shock 6-0, 6-2 loss to Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva in the second round on Wednesday as the sixth seed’s bid to become the first Arab and African woman to win a grand slam title lay in tatters.
Jabeur began the match with a big ace down the middle but quickly found herself on the back foot as her 16-year-old opponent capitalised on some uncharacteristic errors to cruise through the opening set in 20 minutes conceding eight points.
In her fourth Grand Slam main draw appearance since making her debut at last year’s French Open, Andreeva showed maturity beyond her years as Jabeur desperately sought answers from her coaching team after the early jolt.
Jabeur - dubbed by fans as Tunisia’s ‘Minister of Happiness’ - swapped her trademark smile for a more determined look and the 29-year-old held early in the next set but there was no stopping Andreeva, who raised her level again and pulled away.
09:00 AM GMT
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08:52 AM GMT
Day 4 of the Australian Open
Good morning! Hello and welcome to coverage from Melbourne of Novak Djokovic’s second round match.
The world No 1 and 10-time champion plays home favourite Alexei Popyrin for a place in the third round and will be hoping to have a smoother performance after being pushed hard by Croatia’s Dino Prizmic on Sunday.
Speaking on commentary for discovery+ and Eurosport, Nick Kyrgios felt the Serbian remains the favourite to win the tournament.
“In best of three, it’s possible [to beat him], best of five it’s a whole different beast,” he said. “You saw the greats like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, even Andy Murray struggle to have success against Novak on the biggest stages in the world. Do I think there are players that can do it?
“Yes. I think [Carlos] Alcaraz, [Jannik] Sinner, [Daniil] Medvedev, [Alexander] Zverev, there are a bunch of players that can do it but it’s an incredibly tough task. I’m keen to see what the BOAT has to offer and if he can find his feet. I think he is definitely the favourite; I think he can be beaten but I’m going to have to see it.”
Popyrin, currently ranked 43rd in the world, should have the home support today and insists he has the tools to make life tough for Djokovic.
“Going to play against Novak is nothing different than going to play against anybody else on tour,” Popyrin said. “For me it’s the same preparation. For me it’s the same mentality.
“I’m going in there with full confidence. If I don’t go in there with that confidence, there’s no point going in there. So for me it’s no other match. It’s just me playing the World No. 1. It’s just another match for me.
“I don’t think he’s got any weaknesses. He’s physically strong, got really good forehand, really good backhand, solid from the back, amazing serve. Like he is the greatest of all time in our sport, so to get there, you have to have no weaknesses.
“But I have big weapons in my game that I believe can do some damage.”