• Australian Open

Djokovic comes through Verdasco tussle

Novak Djokovic will face Gilles Muller next © Getty Images

Enlarge

Novak Djokovic booked his place in the fourth round of the Australian Open with a 7-6(8) 6-3 6-4 victory against Fernando Verdasco, but it was far from easy for the top seed.

The Serb edged a tight first set on the Rod Laver Arena court as he triumphed in the tie-break, before serving immaculately to set up a clash with another big left-hander in Gilles Muller.

LIVE - Australian Open

• Never miss a point in Melbourne with ESPN's Australian Open CourtCast.
• Follow every match here

"Credit to Fernando - it was a great match," Djokovic said on court after victory. "He was a top 10 player and played final stages of grand slams and big tournaments.

"He's got big power in his game and big power from the baseline, as well as a huge serve. Every time I had an opportunity to break in the first set, he came up with a service winner or an ace. Obviously that is frustrating but I had to keep it together.

"I think the difference was made in the first when I won the tie-breaker. I served very well, which helps when you're playing the big servers like Fernando. You've got to stay composed. I tried to go for accuracy and precision and allow myself a lot of free points, which definitely helped."

Djokovic is chasing a fifth Melbourne Park crown but his preparations were hampered by a virus suffered on the eve of the season's opening grand slam. However, the world No.1 insisted he was fully recovered and focused.

He added: "I'm obviously not the only player who wants to win the trophy here. I've got to stay committed and do everything I need to do with my team on a daily basis. Physically I feel fit now and I always play my best tennis in Melbourne - it's my best grand slam.

Djokovic finished the post-match formalities by getting the crowd to sing "Happy Birthday" for his mother, who celebrated her birthday on Saturday.

Earlier on day six, defending champion Stanislas Wawrinka moved into the fourth round with a straight sets victory against Jarkko Nieminen while Serena Williams was inspired to victory by a familiar face in the women's draw.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd