Djokovic defeats Popyrin to advance to Australian Open third round

MELBOURNE - Serbia's Novak Djokovic, the world number one in men's tennis singles, is through to the Australian Open third round after a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 victory over Alexei Popyrin in Melbourne on Wednesday.

The Serbian, who won after three hours and 11 minutes of play, is now 2-0 head-to-head against the Australian.

Reigning champion Djokovic will next face Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who defeated Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the second round.

Djokovic, who defeated Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final last year, will make an attempt to win his 11th title in Melbourne and his 25th career Grand Slam trophy.