World no. 7 Novak Djokovic will compete in the third round of the Australian Open for the 17th time in the previous 18 trips to Melbourne. After beating Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round, Novak faced another lower-ranked player in round two at Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic ousted world no. 125 Jaime Faria 6-1, 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 in three hours, remaining on the title course. The 21-year-old Portuguese qualified for his first Major tournament and notched his first ATP win in the first round.
He took a set against the legend at Rod Laver Arena but could not do more in the remaining three, with Djokovic dominating and sailing over the top.
The fans are firmly in Novak’s corner after he breaks to take a 4-2 lead in the third set! #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/VCxl3wyQZS
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
Both players fired 14 aces, and Novak used his initial shot more efficiently. The legend lost serve two times and turned 41% of the return points into seven return games from 12 opportunities. The Serb did not hit as well as in the first match, landing 33 winners and unforced errors.
Faria landed 38 winners at the cost of 52 unforced errors, missing too much and ending his campaign in the second round. Jaime stayed in touch in the mid-range and most advanced rallies. However, the veteran took charge in the shortest rallies, earning the win in that segment.
Jaime Faria & Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The Portuguese created a break chance in the third game of the duel with a return winner. The Serb saved it and held before welcoming the rival’s backhand error in the next one for a break and a 3-1 lead. Novak secured another break in game six and extended the gap.
The ten-time champion served for the set at 5-1 and fired an ace to wrap up the first part of the duel in half an hour. They traded breaks in games three and four of the second set. Faria saved break points at 2-2 and claimed an extended rally in game six for a break and a 4-2 lead.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The young gun held in the next one for 5-2 and served for the set in game nine. Novak landed a forehand crosscourt winner, earning a break at love and extending the set. Jaime fired a forehand winner in the 12th game and generated a set point.
Djokovic denied it and held, introducing a tie break. They traded five mini-breaks in the opening six points, with the young gun securing three and leading 4-2 after a great net coverage and a volley winner. The Portuguese attacked at 6-4.
He landed a drop shot winner to wrap up the set and lock the overall score after an hour and 37 minutes. Novak recovered his strokes in the third set and served well. He made a push on the return in the sixth game and clinched a break after the rival’s forehand error.
Jaime Faria, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The veteran served for the set at 5-3 and landed an ace, moving two sets to one in front after two hours and 31 minutes. Faria lost the steam after fighting well for so long. He got broken at the beginning of the fourth set and trailed 3-1 after Djokovic’s two holds at love.
Novak provided another break in game five and defended a break chance in the next one to open a 5-1 gap. The Serb served for the win at 5-2 and held at love with an ace to move into the third round.
Tennis World USA