Djokovic lifts level to move past Machac

Novak Djokovic dropped sets against lesser-known opposition roughly half his age this week at Australian Open 2025, but surged on Friday evening against a more familiar foe who beat him the last time they squared off.

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The 10-time Melbourne champion overcame Tomas Machac 6-1 6-4 6-4 – and his own physical issues – to reach the fourth round at Melbourne Park for the 17th time, now only one behind Roger Federer.  

He will meet another dangerous Czech, Jiri Lehecka, on Sunday as he continues his quest for both a record 25th Grand Slam title and 100th career title.

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“I’m very happy with my game,” Djokovic said on court afterwards. “I was slightly surprised by the result, to win in straight sets.

“There is always something to improve and work on, but this is definitely the best match I played in the tournament.”

Djokovic said after his second-round triumph over qualifier Jaime Faria that scouting would be a little simpler since he had met Machac previously.

His new, high-profile coach, Andy Murray, has been intensely studying.

Their game plan worked against the flashy Machac, whose forehand broke down more than once.

But Djokovic has his own weapons to trouble the No.26 seed, who downed the Serbian on clay as part of a 2024 campaign that saw him also upset Carlos Alcaraz and claim Olympic gold in mixed doubles with Katerina Siniakova. He beat Murray twice, too.

In a not unusual sight in Melbourne, Djokovic served brilliantly – especially from the middle of the second set onwards.