Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record sixth Australian Open title is still very much alive after defeating Hyeon Chung in the first round on Monday. The defending champion will look to seal a place in the third round this coming Wednesday when he takes on the tournament’s surprise package in Quentin Halys.
Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this second-round clash and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the match between Roger Federer and Alexandr Dolgopolov.
[sc:AUS15-250 ]Novak Djokovic stormed into the second round of the Australian Open with an emphatic 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over Hyeon Chung at Rod Laver Arena. It was an excellent performance from the 10-time Grand Slam champion, who needed just one hour and 55 minutes to oust the Korean.
Djokovic, who recorded his first-career victory against Chung, blasted 40 winners and won 89 percent of his first serve points. What proved to be the difference in the match, though, was his return. Djokovic won 46 percent of his receiving points against the 19-year-old, with the world No. 1 converting five of his seven break point opportunities.
Next up for Djokovic is a second-round clash with unseeded Quentin Halys. This will be the first meeting between Djokovic and Halys in the ATP Tour. For Djokovic to beat Halys, he needs to continue his excellent net play. Djokovic won all 15 of his net points in the victory over Chung.
Quentin Halys booked a place in the second round of the 2016 Australian Open with a thrilling 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-5 win over Ivan Dodig on Monday. It was a brilliant showing from Halys, who needed three hours and 21 minutes to outlast the gutsy Croatian veteran.
With the victory, Halys is through to the second round of the Australian Open for the first time in his career. However, he will face his toughest test to date when he faces off against Novak Djokovic in the round of 64. The Serbian star has been on a tear here in the Australian Open, winning four of the last five Grand Slam tournaments staged Down Under.
For Halys to record a major shock in the next round, the Frenchman needs to dominate with his service game. Halys’ serve was solid against Dodig, as he converted 59 percent of his first serves. Halys took full advantage of that fact, winning 63 of his 89 first serve points for a solid 71 percent clip.
Halys also needs to limit his miscues if he is to upset the mighty Djokovic. He committed a whopping 48 unforced errors in the four-set win against Dodig. That simply won’t do against a world-class player like Djokovic, who is gunning for his 11th Grand Slam title here in Melbourne.
