Novak Djokovic survives another scare en route to Australian Open third round

Stefanos Tsitsipas, who lost to Djokovic in last year’s final, also had to save four set points on his way to victory over another Australian, Jordan Thompson.

Novak Djokovic celebrates after defeating Alexei Popyrin in their second round match at the Australian Open (Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP)

Defending champion Novak Djokovic survived a scare for the second match in succession to reach the third round of the Australian Open.

Djokovic, who came through the longest first-round match of his grand slam career on Sunday, had to save four set points on his serve to avoid falling 2-1 down to Australia’s Alexei Popyrin on Rod Laver Arena.