Summary
Thank you for joining me again this afternoon to witness Novak Djokovic joining the other leading men in the third round of the Australian Open. The veteran didn’t push himself, but he never needed to, saving as much energy as possible for battles ahead.
Those battles become considerably tougher for all the leading singles contenders in the third round, especially those in action on Saturday when temperatures are going to hit 40C. A pair of brisk straight-sets victories will stand the ten-time champion in good stead as the mercury rises.
Stay tuned for more from Melbourne Park this evening when Jannik Sinner, Naomi Osaka, and Taylor Fritz are all in action.
I’ll catch you back here soon.
Speaking after his victory Djokovic acknowledges Maestrelli’s big serve and commends the young Italian despite his lack of experience. Then he talks fatherhood, ‘tweeners, and tree-hugging in the Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens. He seems more relaxed and at peace than I have ever seen him.
