Djokovic defeats Popyrin to advance to Australian Open third round

MELBOURNE - Serbia's Novak Djokovic, the world number one in men's tennis singles, is through to the Australian Open third round after a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 victory over Alexei Popyrin in Melbourne on Wednesday.

The Serbian, who won after three hours and 11 minutes of play, is now 2-0 head-to-head against the Australian.

Reigning champion Djokovic will next face Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who defeated Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the second round.