Defending Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic held off Alexei Popyrin to avoid a shock second-round exit.
Djokovic, chasing a record-extending 11th men’s title in Melbourne, looked far from his best as he won 6-3 4-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena.
Australian Popyrin entertained the partisan home crowd and clung on for three hours and 11 minutes before the world number one secured victory.
He will face Argentina’s 30th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry next.
