Novak Djokovic plays through the pain to beat Grigor Dimitrov at Australian Open

The strapping on Djokovic’s left leg was even more substantial than on previous days.

PAIN BARRIER: Novak Djokovic had more treatment to his left leg. Picture: Aaron Favila/AP

Novak Djokovic continued to defy a hamstring injury as a straight-sets victory over Grigor Dimitrov sent him into the fourth round of the Australian Open.

The title favourite admitted after needing a medical timeout and dropping a set to French qualifier Enzo Couacaud that he was concerned, and a clash with 27th seed Dimitrov was a much better test of his physical condition.