Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev both safely into round three in Melbourne

Michael Graham 17 Jan 2019 3:58 PM

Novak Djokovic in action at the Australian Open

Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev have both come through their Australian Open second round matches.

World number one Djokovic was some way below he best against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, but still had more than enough to secure a 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 win over the Frenchman.

Djokovic will likely have to be much better in round three, though, where Denis Shapovalov awaits.

Zverev had a considerably tougher time of it against Jeremy Chardy, though.

The number four seed has a reputation for struggling at Grand Slams, with a prime criticism being that he expends too much energy in the first week with long matches.

That looks to have struck again, as he needed all five sets before finally overcoming the Frenchman 7-6(7-5), 6-4, 5-7, 6-7(6-8), 6-1

“What an amazing match. Jeremy fought so hard and he is an unbelievable player,” Zverev said.

“He caused much damage to all the top guys in the world.

“He showed today he is a great fighter, great tennis player and great guy.”

Zverev will now meet Australian wildcard Alex Bolt in the next round.