Novak Djokovic’s bid for a record sixth Australian Open crown remains right on track after defeating Quentin Halys in the second round on Wednesday. The 10-time Grand Slam champion will look to book a place in the fourth round this coming Friday when he takes on the ever-dangerous Andreas Seppi.
Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this round-of-32 clash and while you’re at it, you can check out our previews of Berdych vs. Kyrgios and Federer vs. Dimitrov.
Novak Djokovic barged into the third round of the Australian Open with an entertaining 6-1, 6-2, 7-6(3) win over Quentin Halys at Rod Laver Arena. It was a superb performance from the defending champion who needed one hour and 40 minutes to oust the spirited French teenager.
[sc:AUS15-250 ]Djokovic, who recorded his first career victory against Halys, blasted 42 winners and won 86 percent of his first serve points. What proved to be the difference in the contest, though, was his impeccable return. Djokovic won 46 percent of his receiving points against Halys with the world No. 1 converting five of his 11 break point chances.
Next up for Djokovic is a third-round clash with Andreas Seppi. The 28-year-old has fared extremely well against Seppi in the past, winning all of their 11 previous meetings. Djokovic eased past Seppi in their last meeting at the US Open last year, trouncing him in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5. This will be their first meeting, though, here in the Australian Open.
Andreas Seppi booked a place in the third round of the Australian Open with a 7-5, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Denis Kudla on Wednesday. It was a brilliant showing from Seppi who needed two hours and six minutes to eliminate the gutsy American.
With the victory, Seppi is through to the third round of the Australian Open for the third time in his career. He will face his toughest test, though, in the round of 32, as he will next face the great Novak Djokovic. The Serbian star has been on a tear in the ATP Tour of late, winning 31 of his past 32 matches. That won’t faze Seppi, though, who stunned four-time champion Roger Federer in this stage of the Australian Open last year.
For Seppi to record a massive upset against Djokovic, he needs to improve on his disappointing return play. He won just 36 percent (31-of-87) of his receiving points in his second-round win against Kudla. That simply won’t do against a world-class player like Djokovic who’s unbeaten in his last nine matches here in Melbourne. Seppi also needs to limit his miscues if he is to shock the world no. 1. He committed 33 unforced errors in that straight-sets win against Kudla.
