Pumped-up defending champion Novak Djokovic survived a serious scare Wednesday from dangerous American Frances Tiafoe, who pushed him to four grueling sets before the world number one prevailed.
The Serbian top seed looked in control after taking the first set, but lightning-quick Tiafoe, who reached the quarter-finals two years ago, refused to go quietly.
He bounced back to take a close second set before Djokovic dug deep to emerge a 6-3, 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 winner and continue his relentless march towards a ninth Australian Open title.
“Very tough match. when the sun was on the court it was very warm. A lot of long rallies,” said Djokovic. “A great fight from Frances…
Keep on reading: Djokovic survives Tiafoe scare to stay in Australian Open hunt