January 19, (THEWILL) – World number one, Novak Djokovic, showed few signs of the illness that has been plaguing him this past week, defeating Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets 6-3 6-4 7-6(1) to advance to the fourth round of the 2024 Australian Open.
The Serb was in full control throughout the two-hour and 23 minute match on Rod Laver Arena, not facing a single break point against the Argentine. Djokovic drew first blood, breaking Cerundolo in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead and close out the first set 6-3. He broke early in the second set as well, riding the momentum to a two-set lead.
Cerundolo provided stiffer resistance in the third, bringing the set to a tiebreak. Still, the nine-time Australian Open champion had the answer, firing an ace to seal the straight sets victory.
With his 100th Australian Open match under his belt, Djokovic now trails only Roger Federer (117) and Serena Williams (105) for most appearances at Melbourne Park. The top seed will face either 20th-seeded Frenchman Adrian Mannarino or American 16th seed Ben Shelton in the fourth round.
As Djokovic aims for a record-tying 25th Grand Slam title, the dominance he displayed against Cerundolo suggests any illness he has battled recently will prove little hindrance to that pursuit.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
