Novak Djokovic stepped up a level in his Australian Open third round match against Tomas Machac on Friday, brushing the Czech aside 6-1 6-4 6-4 with a vintage performance to reach the second week at Melbourne Park for the 17th time.

Earlier Channel 9 host Tony Jones angered Novak Djokovic’s supporters by going rogue and sledging the Serbian superstar on a live broadcast.

By Shrivathsa Sridhar MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Zheng Qinwen was the first big name to exit the women's draw at the Australian Open on Wednesday after the Olympic champion was stunned by Laura Siegemund while top seed Aryna Sabalenka made heavy weather of her second-round match before going through.

Carlos Alcaraz continued his quest to win his first trophy at Melbourne Park and wooed the crowd as he shared his plans to get a specific tattoo if he lifts the title. Reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced to the second week, as did one of her good friends, 11th seed Paula Badosa.

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have known each other for a quarter of a century. They played from the age of 12, meeting 36 times as professionals, including 10 Grand Slam matches.

After dropping his opening set at the Australian Open to Nishesh Basavareddy, Noavk Djokovic eventually asserted himself for a victory to begin his bid for an 11th championship at Melbourne Park and a record 25th major title overall.

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have been searching the Australian Open locker room for players who can provide them with inside information ahead of the Serbian’s matches. Djokovic, who appointed Murray as his coach last autumn, is on the hunt for a record-extending 25th men’s Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park.

While there have been plenty of surprises in the men’s bracket so far, most of the top women have progressed through the draw without an issue.

We may look back at the 2024 ATP NextGen finals in the years to come, and ask how so much talent could be squeezed into such a small tournament.

The Australian Open likes to promote itself as ‘The Happy Slam’, but too many spectators have taken that tag to extreme levels at Melbourne Park this year. Tournament organisers have encouraged fans to come and go as they please in the stands,

Channel 9 host Tony Jones has angered Novak Djokovic’s supporters by going rogue and sledging the Serbian superstar on a live broadcast.