Novak Djokovic into third round after demolition job

Novak Djokovic stormed into the third round of the Australian Open with a three-set demolition job on American Ryan Harrison, as his bid for a hat-trick of titles remained right on course.

Three-time Australian Open winner Djokovic took just 91 minutes to destroy the 20-year-old American 6-1 6-2 6-3 showing some of his best tennis under the lights on Rod Laver Arena,according to Skysport.

Starting off by winning 12 of the first 13 points, Djokovic went on to take the first set in just 20 minutes, and he never really took his foot off the gas as he laid down a marker for the rest of the field.

One man certainly not enjoying watching Djokovic will be Czech Republic journeyman Radek Stepanek, who will face the Serbian superstar in the last 32.

“I tried to focus on the start and I knew that he had nothing to lose and would come out with his big serves, but I managed to make some very important early breaks at the start of the match,” Djokovic said.

“I was a set up after 20 minutes and it was a mental advantage, I felt much more comfortable on the court.

“I don’t think he was playing at his best, it was probably the occasion playing on the centre court, but I wish him all the best, I think he has a good future.”

Also in the evening session, Djokovic’s fellow Serb, the No 8 seed Janko Tipsarevic looked in big trouble as he was taken to five sets by Slovakian Lukas Lacko, but he just about managed to squeeze into the next round.

Lacko came storming back from two sets down to force a decider, but it was Tipsarevic who just about managed to come out on top and seal victory 6-3 6-4 3-6 4-6 7-5.

Spain’s 22nd seed Fernando Verdasco had fewer problems negotiating his path into the last 32 as he beat Xavier Malisse of Belgium in straight sets 6-1 6-3 6-2.