Joker entertains in ruthless return to form
Six-time champion Novak Djokovic has struck form to advance to the fourth round of the Australian Open, looking in excellent touch during a straight-sets routing of Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas.
The Serbian took a medical timeout during Saturday night's second set for treatment of an apparent hip complaint, but regrouped to claim a 6-2 6-3 6-3 victory in two hours and 21 minutes.
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Djokovic had fans in stitches at one moment during the match with some typically goofy antics after hearing a "let" call on his serve.
The Serb's grunt suggested he'd put a lot of effort into the serve only for it to be called back so he turned and lobbed a soft, fake serve back in response.
He will face world No.58 Hyeon Chung in the fourth round after the South Korean youngster's five-set defeat of fourth seed Alexander Zverev.
After labouring through a four-sets win over Gael Monfils in 39C heat on Thursday, Djokovic found another gear in his best performance since his six-month elbow injury layoff.
The 14th seed held serve throughout the match, fired off 37 winners and made excellent use of his lethal two-handed backhand.
After taking the first set in 40 minutes, Djokovic called for the trainers at 2-1 in the second and had work done on his left buttock and hip region.
Forced to sprint to a Ramos drop shot in the following game, Djokovic winced as he limped back to the baseline.
But it proved to be little impediment for the 12-time grand slam winner, who maintained his unbeaten record against the 21st-seed Ramos-Vinolas.
Djokovic was cagey when asked about the medical time-out after booking an 11th fourth-round appearance at Melbourne Park.
"The matches are going to get tougher from now on," he said.
"The good thing about grand slams, you always have a day off (to use) for recovery and training ... and obviously get myself in shape for the next one."
The 30-year-old said he wouldn't be getting ahead of himself despite his impressive performance.
"It was a straight-sets win but almost two and a half hours so it wasn't that easy or comfortable on the court," he said.
"Obviously for me, it's taking it one match at a time. I have some incredible memories in Melbourne Park in the last decade of my career.
"I obviously have to be more humble this time with my expectations because I havent played in six months.
"But I'm very pleased with where my game is at at the moment."
Elsewhere in the men's, Juan Martin del Potro was overpowered by Tomas Berdych 6-3 6-3 6-2, with the Czech coasting into the fourth round of the Australian Open for the 10th time.
Del Potro arrived in Melbourne with high hopes having re-entered the world's top 10 for the first time since 2014 but was no match for the 19th-seed.
And in the men's doubles, Lleyton Hewitt kept his fairytale Australian Open run alive with partner and compatriot, Sam Groth.
The former champion, out of retirement for his home tournament, combined with his fellow Aussie to seal a 7-6 4-6 7-5 victory against Horia Tecau and Jean-Julien Rojer for a place in the third round.