MELBOURNE PARK, Australia – World No. 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia was pushed by Australian Lleyton Hewitt to win in four sets 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to gain a place in the Australian Open quarterfinals.
Djokovic raced to a 4-0 lead in the first set and took the set 6-1 in 31 minutes. The Serb was in control of the second set, opening with a break but Hewitt broke back immediately. Djokovic took the set 6-3.
Djokovic went up a break in the third set but Hewitt rallied with a break to get back on serve. Battling Hewitt broke Djokovic at 4-4 to serve for the set. Hewitt needed four set points to complete task and pumped his fist when he finally won the set with a roaring crowd.
“I played some loose points and got him back into the match, ” Djokovic said in regard to the third set. But credit to him as well for being competitive, for not giving up.
“This is something you can expect from Lleyton who is very well‑known for his fighting spirit.
“I should have closed it ...
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