- World number two Novak Djokovic defeats Tatsuma Ito in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2
- ‘I’m playing all the Japanese players in the field’ says Djokovic as he prepares for Yoshihito Nishioka in third round
Reigning men's singles champion Novak Djokovic marched into the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday.
The Serbian star and number two seed in Melbourne beat Japan's Tatsuma Ito in straight sets: 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 " to progress to his 13th Australian Open third round.
Victory came in just 95 minutes despite windy conditions in the Rod Laver Arena.
angles others don't @DjokerNole #AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/l6k2IpPUvl
" #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2020
"Credit to (Ito) for fighting to the end. Tough conditions out here," Djokovic said. "The wind can get you out of your comfort zone very quickly.
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"He was playing pretty aggressive and flat, with not too many unforced errors in the second set. I just managed to somehow find my way," added the 32-year-old. "From my side, my serve helped me a lot to get out of trouble."
The world number two had struggled in the first round, needing four sets to get by the unseeded German Jan-Lennard Struff on Monday.
"And your thoughts on the match @DjokerNole?" #AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/EDu3RUf9JQ
" #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2020
Next up for Djokovic is another Japanese player, Yoshihito Nishioka. The pair will meet Friday after the 24-year-old Nishioka defeated Brit Dan Evans.
"I'm playing all the Japanese players in the field," Djokovic said jokingly. "(Nishioka) is very quick, probably one of the quickest players we have on the Tour. You know what his strengths are (and) what his weaknesses are, so hopefully I can execute the game plan."
Another Australian Open trophy would extend Djokovic's record to eight. Djokovic has won 16 Grand Slam titles over his career, which includes five Wimbledon titles and three US Open titles. He turned pro in 2003 and currently sits behind Rafael Nadal in the ATP rankings.
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