Advertisement

'Inspired' Novak Djokovic stuns tennis world with 'phenomenal' feat

Andrew Reid

Serving has often been an understated part of Novak Djokovic's almighty tennis arsenal but on Friday, his firepower was there for all to see.

Djokovic set up a fourth-round encounter with Diego Schwartzman with a clinical win over Yoshihito Nishioka, characterised by arguably the greatest serving display of his illustrious career.

'NOT COOL': How 'unprofessional' Serena Williams slumped to 14-year low

'THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE': Viewers in shock over Serena Williams drama

'SO SAD': Australian Open heartbreak leaves Caroline Wozniacki in tears

The No.2 seed breezed through the third-round clash, registering a 6-3 6-2 6-2 win over the Japanese in just one hour and 25 minutes.

Nishioka is normally one of the best returners of serve on the men's tour but he had no answer to the 16-time grand slam champion's brilliance.

Djokovic admitted that even he couldn't remember a match in which he'd serve more effectively.

Seen here, Novak Djokovic celebrates his third round win at the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic put in one of the best serving displays of his career. Pic: Getty

"If it happened, it didn't happen too many times," he said of giving away a solitary point on serve in the first two sets.

"Definitely one of the best serving matches I've had lately."

Djokovic's near flawless service game saw him lose only four points on his own racquet going into the final game of the match.

With the finishing line in sight, the Serb could be forgiven for letting that extraordinary standard slip as he then gave up four more points on his serve.

Despite facing his first break point in that game, Djokovic came through unscathed to seal his passage into the fourth round in commanding fashion.

Serb’s coach behind serving masterclass

Djokovic, whop fired down 17 aces and won 93% points on his first serve, credited his coach for the remarkable performance.

“I was inspired by my coach Goran (Ivanisevic) who came out here today. He brings a lot of insight.”

The ridiculous serving display from the World No.2 - in which he only lost eight points all match - had fans in disbelief on social media.

It's the 13th time the Serb has made it to the last 16 at Melbourne Park as he chases a record-extending eighth crown.

Fourteenth seed Schwartzman will present a very different challenge to the left-handed Nishioka as Djokovic eyes off a quarter-final against either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Roberto Bautista Agut.

"He is one of the quickest player on the tour," Djokovic said of the Argentine.

"Obviously right-handed so I'm going to have to prepare a bit different tactics than I have today.

"Hopefully my serve can be as good as it was today or at least close. If that's the case, then I feel I have a pretty good chance. Obviously I've got to be patient but still aggressive."

The match against Schwartzman will also be the 16-time grand slam winner's 50th in the fourth round at a major.

With AAP