Novak Djokovic survives Enzo Couacaud scare to reach third round ...

Novak Djokovic is into the third round of the Australian Open after a hard-fought four-set win over Enzo Couacaud.

The nine-time champion came through 6-1 6-7(5) 6-2 6-0 despite a valiant display by qualifier Couacaud.

It looked like the contest would be a mere procession after the 21-time Grand Slam raced through the first set, while his opponent bravely battled on despite his injury at 3-1. The Frenchman showed admirable fighting spirit after forcing deuce on set point with Djokovic leading 5-1, but the Serb hit a forehand winner to draw first blood in the contest.

Coucaud began the second set in fine fashion though, and Djokovic did not have things his own way at all, as the 27-year-old kept the set on serve by playing some fine tennis. He won his first three service games, the first from 0-30 behind, before staving off a break point from Djokovic to move 4-3 up in the second set.

It was soon the nine-time champion’s turn for a medical time out, and he elected to leave the court for treatment on his hamstring.

After returning, Djokovic levelled at 5-5 with a crucial hold despite not looking comfortable at all, before Coucaud saved two break points to move 6-5 ahead.

A tie-break swiftly followed as Djokovic overhit a forehand shot to see Coucaud recover from 3-0 down to level things up at 3-3.

Coucaud received most of the plaudits from an enthralled crowd inside the Rod Laver Arena, but Djokovic pointed to his ear in celebration after a lovely forehand shot to move 5-4 up. However, it was ultimately not enough to prevent the Serb from surrendering his lead.

The Djokovic we have all come to know showed his true quality in the third set and raced into a 3-0 lead, breaking Coucard immediately. In a complete contrast to the second set, the third was wrapped up in a mere 32 minutes at 6-2.

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