Novak Djokovic stormed into the second round of the Australian Open with an emphatic 6-1, 7-6(4), 6-2 win over Fernando Verdasco at Rod Laver Arena. It was an excellent performance from the 12-time Grand Slam champion, who needed just two hours and 20 minutes to oust the hard-hitting Spaniard.
Djokovic, who improved to 10-4 against Verdasco, blasted 24 winners and won 76 percent of his first serve points. What proved to be the difference in the match, though, was the defending champ’s return. Djokovic won 50 percent of his receiving points against the 33-year-old, with the world No. 2 converting six of his 16 break point opportunities.
Next up for Djokovic is a second-round clash with unseeded Denis Istomin. The 29-year-old has fared extremely well against Istomin in the past, winning all of their five previous meetings. They have faced each other twice in the Australian Open before, with Djokovic winning both of those matches in straight sets.
Denis Istomin booked a place in the second round of the Australian Open with a 6-1, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Denis Kudla on Wednesday. It was a brilliant showing from Istomin who needed two hours and 34 minutes to eliminate the gutsy Croatian. With the victory, Istomin is through to the round of 64 at the Australian Open for just the fourth time in his career. He will face his toughest test, though, in the second round, as he will next face the great Novak Djokovic. The Serbian star has been on a tear this 2017, winning all six of his matches this year.
For Istomin to record a massive upset against Djokovic, he needs to improve on his return play. He won just 41 percent (46-of-113) of his receiving points in his first-round win against Dodig. That simply won’t do against a world-class player like Djokovic who’s unbeaten in his last 15 matches here in Melbourne. Istomin also needs to limit his miscues if he is to shock the six-time Australian Open champion. He committed 39 unforced errors in the win against Dodig.
