Melbourne, Jan 24:
Fired-up top seed Novak Djokovic powered into the Australian Open fourth round on Saturday, joining sizzling fellow world number one Serena Williams and injury-free two-time winner Victoria Azarenka.
The Serb, whose chances of a fifth Australian crown have vastly improved after Roger Federer’s shock exit on Friday, ground down tenacious Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (10/8), 6-3, 6-4.
He said he was highly motivated and over the virus that hampered his lead up to the season’s opening Grand Slam.
“Physically, I feel fit now and I’m always motivated to play well in Australia,” said Djokovic.
Williams, vying for a sixth Australian title and the first since 2010, was slow to get in the groove against 26th-ranked Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, going down 6-4 in the first set.
But she shook off the cobwebs under the blazing sun on Rod Laver Arena to rattle through the next two sets 6-2, 6-0.
It keeps alive her quest to add a 19th Grand Slam title, which would take her to clear second on the all-time Open Era Grand Slam winners list. (Agencies)
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