Thanks to all
Thank you all for joining us in this intense duel with an exciting ending, it has been a pleasure to be with all of you, see you all again!
Martin Etcheverry, Novak's next opponent
The Argentinean world number 30 will be Novak Djokovic's next opponent after defeating Gael Monfils in three sets.
How Novak Djokovic closed the match
He still wears the 👑. He remains on his throne.
Challenged but, as always on this court, victorious. @DjokerNole remains the one to beat.#AusOpen • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/22uuuSsLhB — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2024
4º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 7-6 6-3) Popyrin
GAME, SET AND MATCH! He saved the first Popyrin, but couldn't with the second. After a good first serve for Novak Djokovic.Â
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The world number 1 had another atypical match where he gave up again in the second set. The Serb suffered in the third where he took it in the tie-break and already in the fourth comfortable set for Novak, who advances to the third round.
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4º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 7-6 5-3) Popyrin
40-0. Great first serve that Popyrin does not return. Another three match balls for Djokovic.
4º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 7-6 5-3) Popyrin
Good forehand by Popyrin and the game goes on. The player from Belgrade will serve to close the match.
4º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 7-6 5-2) Popyrin
40-40. Ace and has managed to raise the three. The Australian resists.
4º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 7-6 5-2) Popyrin
0-40. The world number 1 gets three match balls.
4º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 7-6 5-2) Popyrin
Good second open of the number 1, who sends his opponent to the net. Nole is just one step away from the third round.
4º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 7-6 4-2) Popyrin
BREAKS THE SERVE! Nole moved the ball well and is two games away from taking the victory. He has raised the level in this game to break and has succeeded.
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4º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 7-6 3-2) Popyrin
0-40. Djokovic tightened with the rest and gets three break balls.
4º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 7-6 3-2) Popyrin
Nole lost the first points on serve in this fourth set. In a game where he got hooked by a fan and the Australian took a 30-30 lead. Although missed Popyrin two points in a row to put the 3-2.
4º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 7-6 2-2) Popyrin
The first point came from the rest, after the Australian sent the ball to the net. Although later, with a point in the net and an ace, he put the score at two to two.
Will Novak Djokovic manage to close out the match in this set?
4º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 7-6 2-1) Popyrin
Second game in white again with the service for the number 1. Three games and so far zero points to the rest.
4º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 7-6 1-1) Popyrin
With a direct serve and a missed return from the world number 1. Blank game also for Alexei Popyrin.
4º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 7-6 1-0) Popyrin
He serves straight to start the fourth set with a blank game. It looks a bit desperate to the Australian
Third set statistics
More first serves for the Australian, with 17 winners for both players;
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3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 7-6) Popyrin
7-4. Good tie-break by Novak DJokovic who manages to take the third set. The Serb is going to go for a change.Â
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The world number 1 has been saved, who takes a third set, where he had to save four set balls. Just one set away from the next round.
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3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 6-6) Popyrin
4-2. Se equivocó en la red el australiano y mini breaks para el serbio.Â
3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 6-6) Popyrin
Nole does not fail with the service and we go to the tie break. We remember that the number 1 has lost both tie breaks he has played in this 2024.
3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 5-6) Popyrin
Sure Popyrin with the service, which ensures the tie-break. Let's see if now he squeezes the rest
3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 5-5) Popyrin
Good serve from Djokovic, who can not subtract the Australian. Saves four set balls the Serb. He is free for now.
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3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 4-5) Popyrin
40-40. The Australian had another set ball, but the Serbian got another incredible ball with the second service and we return to deuce.
3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 4-5) Popyrin
40-40. Novak is saved. With an ace, then he pressed, until his opponent missed. The last one he saved with a good volley.
3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 4-5) Popyrin
0-40. Three set balls for the Australian. Opportunity for Popuyrin
3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 4-5) Popyrin
He could not get to the volley well Novak and Popyrin will rest to take the second set. Key moment.
3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 4-4) Popyrin
He put the game at 30-30. It was aggressive the Serb to put the 4-4 back on the scoreboard.
3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 4-3) Popyrin
With a good ace and a first game, the Australian, who begins to believe he can beat Djokovic, adds another game.
3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 3-3) Popyrin
First with the help of the net and then after a bad return from his opponent, Novak makes it 3-3.
3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 2-3) Popyrin
Between the late return and the forehand that the Aussie has served, he has not given up the service in this third set. For now, the Australian is impeccable in the match, competing one on one with the number 1.
3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 2-2) Popyrin
Tough exchange, which ends up winning the number 2 to put the tie at two.
3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 1-2) Popyrin
Aggressive Djokovic in this third game, but Popyrin manages to pull through.
3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 1-1) Popyrin
Popyrin didn't respond well to Djokovic's first few shots, and he won his first game in the third set.
3º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6 0-1) Popyrin
Djokovic today is not him. He looks strange with a lot of errors. Another one that allows him to put the Australian ahead in the third set.
This was the point with which the Australian tennis player closed the second set.
That is outrageous, @AlexeiPopyrin99! To win the set, too!
He levels his match with Novak 3-6 6-4.#AusOpen • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/9KXt67T48V — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2024
2º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-6) Popyrin
SET! He saved the first with an ace, but then Popyrin put a lob to break the serve and take the second set.Â
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Novak is in trouble, he is not comfortable and this is the second set he has lost in the Australian Open. Can the local player give the surprise?
2º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-5) Popyrin
15-40. Novak's forehand error and two set balls for his opponent.
2º Set Djokovic (6-3 4-5) Popyrin
BREAK OF SERVE! Popyrin saved two, but he made an error with a third break point and Novak Djokovic serves to tie the score at five.
2º Set Djokovic (6-3 3-5) Popyrin
0-40. Errors of the Australian and even with a double fault and the Belgrade is put with three break balls. The pressure is getting to the Australian
2º Set Djokovic (6-3 3-5) Popyrin
Novak finally wins it and now the second set can be decided with Popyrin serving.
2º Set Djokovic (6-3 2-5) Popyrin
30-30. Nole's error and Alexei Popyrin is two balls away from taking the set.
2º Set Djokovic (6-3 2-5) Popyrin
Much more speed from the Australian who wins again with his serve. Now he will serve to take the second set
2º Set Djokovic (6-3 2-4) Popyrin
The world No. 1 rebounds with a blank game.
2º Set Djokovic (6-3 1-4) Popyrin
Direct serve to confirm the advantage, after a blank game. Djokovic trailing in this second set.
2º Set Djokovic (6-3 1-3) Popyrin
BREAKS THE SERVE! First break of the match of the Australian over a Serbian, who seems to be unable to recover from the rise in pace of the rival.
2º Set Djokovic (6-3 1-2) Popyrin
15-40. First break point for Popyrin, after Novak's ball went long.
2º Set Djokovic (6-3 1-2) Popyrin
More rhythm seems to the Australian in this second set and so far without suffering breakage options.
2º Set Djokovic (6-3 1-1) Popyrin
Djokovic errors that complicated the game. However, with a good service he ended up winning it.
2º Set Djokovic (6-3 0-1) Popyrin
The Serb misses with his backhand and Alexei Popyrin takes the lead in the second set.
1º Set Djokovic (6-3) Popyrin
SET!!! The first set goes to Novak Djokovic.Â
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Very expected the first set with the Serbian without failing with the service, pressing with the rest until he managed to break. 39 minutes has needed the number 1 to take the first set.
1º Set Djokovic (5-3) Popyrin
40-15. Good forehand from Novak to put himself with two set balls;
1º Set Djokovic (5-3) Popyrin
BREAKS SERVE! Djokovic serves well on his second serve and takes the lead in the first set. He will serve to close the first set.
1º Set Djokovic (4-3) Popyrin
15-40. Exchange with more than 30 rallies where Popyrin ends up failing. Two break balls for Nole
1º Set Djokovic (4-3) Popyrin
Second consecutive blank game of Novak. For now very effective with the service
1º Set Djokovic (3-3) Popyrin
Ace again from the Australian. It is costing him a lot of trouble in putting first. However, for now he survives
1º Set Djokovic (3-2) Popyrin
30-40. Two double faults in a row and again a break point for the world number 1.
1º Set Djokovic (3-2) Popyrin
Blank game of the Serb, who for now is very calm with the service. 0 attrition for the moment.
1º Set Djokovic (2-2) Popyrin
Ace to close the game. The Australian had to lift the first two break balls.
1º Set Djokovic (2-1) Popyrin
30-40. Double fault by Alexei and first break point for Novak.
1º Set Djokovic (2-1) Popyrin
The Australian crashed the ball into the net, despite making a good rest. Second game for the player from Belgrade
1º Set Djokovic (1-1) Popyrin
Popyrin does not give in his first service game and succeeds without much trouble.
1º Set Djokovic (1-0) Popyrin
Two straight serves from Novak Djokovic to take the first game of the match.
Novak starts serving
The Australian starts with the rest. It's starting now! At stake the pass to the third round
Number 1 on the Rod Laver Arena
Sabalenka is currently playing her women's draw match on center court. So far the number 1 has taken the match. Following this match will be the match between the Serbian and the Australian.
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A star of today up against one of tomorrow. Its @SabalenkaA against Brenda Fruhvirtova. Looking forward to this one!@emirates • #walkon • #flybetter@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/frWr8rPgKc
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2024
Face to face
Novak Djokovic and Alexei Popyrin stats. 12 years of age between the two players and 96 titles more for the Belgrade player.
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Alexei Popoyrin goes for another feat in the second round of the Australian Open
The Australian tennis player had a beautiful battle last year in Melbourne with Taylor Fritz. In a five-set match, which lasted more than 4 hours. Three sets of them were decided in the tie brek and finally the victory went to Popyrin.
Djokovic already knows what it's like to lose in the second round of the Australian Open
The world No. 1 has only lost twice in the second round of a Grand Slam. One of them was in Australia where he was stunned in 2017 by Denis Istomin in 2017.
Watch out for this fact
Novak Djokovic has never won a Grand Slam without dropping a set. In Australia, in case he wins, it will not be the case either, as he lost a set in the first round against Prizmic.
WE RETURN
In a few minutes the match between Novak Djokovic and Alexi Popyrin will start, both the preview and the minute by minute of the match can be followed here on VAVEL
Stay tuned for Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin
In a few moments we will share with you the Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin preview, as well as the latest information from the Rod Laver Arena court. Don't miss any details of the match with VAVEL's minute-by-minute online coverage.
How to watch Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin at Australian Open?
If you want to watch the match Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin it can be followed on TV on Tennis TV.
If you want to watch it online, VAVEL is your best option.
What time is Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin at Australian Open?
This is the kick-off time of the match in several countries:
Argentina: 06:00 hrs.
Bolivia: 04:00 hrs.
Brazil: 05:00 hrs.
Chile: 04:00 hrs.
Colombia: 04:00 hrs.
Ecuador: 04:00 hrs.
Spain: 11:00 hrs.
Mexico: 04:00 hrs.
Paraguay: 05:00 hrs.
Peru: 04:00 hrs.
Uruguay: 06:00 hrs.
France: 11:00 hrs.
Sweden: 11:00 hrs.
India: 15:00 hrs.
Carlos Alcaraz already in the second round
One of Novak Djokovic's rivals to beat in this Australian Open could be Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard is one of the favorites as the number 2 and could only be measured against the Serbian in a hypothetical final. Today the Spaniard has gone from less to more, after suffering in the first set, but after winning in the tie-break has taken the direct and is already in the second round by beating Richard Gasquet, in a match that we have been able to follow here on VAVEL. On Thursday he will have his second match, where he will face the Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
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News - Alexei Popyrin
The 24-year-old Australian tennis player is ranked 43rd in the world. He has two titles to his credit, the last one in 2023 against ATP Umag.
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He closed 2023 by losing in the first round of the ATP Paris and in Vienna. While he played Davis Cup with Australia where he won one of the two matches. In this year he started before the first Grand Prix playing the ATP Brisbane where he lost in the second round.Â
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In the Australian Open he overcame the first round by defeating his compatriot Marc Polmans in three sets, after 2 hours and 38 minutes. Last year in this tournament he reached the third round. Will he make it in this 2024?
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News - Novak Djokovic
The 36-year-old Serbian tennis player is world No. 1 and is at the top of the ATP ranking.
He has played in 2023 all the finals of a Grand Slam in one year, after winning the Australian Open, Roland Garros, reaching the final at Wimbledon and winning the US Open. He came into this tournament after winning the last Grand Slam of the year where he only dropped two sets during the entire tournament. He arrives after resting after missing the entire Asian tour. However, he took the last Masters 1000 of 2023 by winning in Paris, a place where last year he fell in the final. He was proclaimed champion of the ATP Finals despite losing in the group stage against Sinner. He was unable to become Davis Cup champion when he lost in the semifinals against Italy. Nole lost both his matches against the Italians, the singles and the doubles and thus closed the year.Â
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He started 2024 playing in the United Cup where he won in the group stage the singles matches against Zhang and Lehecka. While in the quarterfinals he was defeated against Alex de Miñaur. In a duel where the tennis player born in Belgrade was in discomfort and finally his team was eliminated. Although in his debut at the Australian Open he did not even feel the discomfort. The Serb had a strange debut against the debutant Dino Prizmic, who gave war and even won a set.  However, despite a bad day, the Belgrade player did not fail and will be in his appointment in the second round of the Australian Open.
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Background
A single precedent between Novak Djokovic and Alexei Popyrin was in 2019 in the round of 32 at the ATP Tokyo where the Serb won 6-4, 6-2 in 1 hour and 25 minutes. Although after three years, the situation has changed, especially for the Australian, who will have the support of the stands to dethrone the king of Melbourne.
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The Stadium
The match will be played at the Rod Laver Arena, located in Melbourne, which was inaugurated in 1988 and has a capacity for 14820 spectators.
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Preview of the match
Novak Djokovic and Alexei Popyrin will meet on Wednesday, January 16, 2024 in the second round of the Australian Open.
Welcome to VAVEL.COM coverage of the match between Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin
My name is Manuel Carmona Hidalgo and I will be your host for this match. We will provide you with pre-match analysis and news here on VAVEL.