Novak Djokovic Wins But Casper Ruud Loses To Jenson Brooksby

On a day when more of his anticipated title challengers were eliminated, Novak Djokovic persevered despite injury to go to the third round of the Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic Wins But Casper Ruud Loses To Jenson Brooksby - SportRazzi
Novak Djokovic Wins But Casper Ruud Loses To Jenson Brooksby.

On a day when more of his anticipated title challengers were eliminated, Novak Djokovic persevered despite an injury to go to the third round of the Australian Open.

Going for a record-extending 10th men’s victory in Melbourne, the 35-year-old Serbian defeated French qualifier Enzo Couacaud 6-1 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-0.

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Djokovic had a medical break, appearing to be constrained by a hamstring issue that already existed, but he recovered.

Second seed Casper Ruud was defeated a day after Rafael Nadal was eliminated.

The Norwegian, who reached two Grand Slam finals last year, was defeated by American Jenson Brooksby 6-3 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-2.

Eighth seed Taylor Fritz lost 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 to Australian wildcard Alexei Popyrin in the same quarter of the draw.

Twelfth seed Alexander Zverev was beaten 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 6-3 6-2 by lucky loser Michael Mmoh, who was a late call-up to the main draw after another player withdrew and said he had to change his flight because he had expected to be out already.

Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev did not suffer a shock, defeating Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori 6-2 6-4 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 to advance to the third round against Britain’s Dan Evans.

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Djokovic arrived at the Rod Laver Arena with his left thigh heavily taped, but it was Couacaud who suffered an early injury, rolling his right ankle midway through the first set and necessitating a medical timeout.

Djokovic cruised through the rest of the opener, but twinges in his hamstring, which had been bothering him before the tournament began, slowed him down and allowed Couacaud into the match.

The Serb left the court for medical attention and returned with a new, tighter bandage on his leg.

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