Djokovic Perseveres To Reach Australian Open Third Round

Despite struggling with an injured leg, Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the Australian Open after clawing past Frenchman Enzo Couacaud.

The former world number one, in a bid to equal Nadal's 22 Grand Slam trophy and win a record 10th men's title in Melbourne, won  6-1 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-0 against Couacaud.

During the encounter, the Serb appeared in difficulty due to his left hamstring injury, forcing him to call a medical timeout when trailing 4-5.

He lost the second set tie-break given his physical condition which cast doubt on his chances of advancing to the next round.

But the nine-time champion defeated the odds as he persevered and produced a vintage performance to win 12 of the match's final 14 games after three hours and four minutes.

"There was a lot happening in tonight's match," the 35-year-old said.

"He deserves credit for the fight.

"He played some great tennis, especially in the second set. He deservedly pushed the match to four sets.

"We both had some medical timeouts and struggled a little bit but I managed to respond well in the third and fourth.

 I love playing night sessions. Let's keep it going."

Djokovic is expected to face former world number 3 Grigor Dimitrov in the third round of the Australian Open.