The Serbs enjoyed a memorable night at Rod Laver Arena on Friday. Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic scored impressive wins and reached the last 16 at the Australian Open. The ten-time champion has been a regular guest at Rod Laver Arena for nearly 20 years.
On the other hand, Danilovic stepped on the most significant tennis court in Australia thanks to the fact she faced the 7th seed, Jessica Pegula. Novak took down Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and 22 minutes, moving into the last 16 for the 17th time in Melbourne.
Djokovic stayed at the complex and watched Danilovic’s heroic 7-6, 6-1 victory in an hour and a half.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Djokovic did not perform best in his opening two rounds, although his wins were never in doubt. He raised his level against Machac and controlled the scoreboard, maintaining a perfect score in the Australian Open third round.
Novak had breathing issues, and he received a medical timeout after the third game. The veteran continued without further problems and toppled the Czech. Djokovic hit well and got broken only once. He took 40% of the return points and grabbed five return games from 15 opportunities.
Olga Danilovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Fifteen minutes after Novak, Olga Danilovic stepped on Rod Laver Arena for the first time in a career. The young Serb passed two obstacles for her best result in Melbourne and arranged the clash against the 7th seed Jessica Pegula.
The Serb produced a 7-6, 6-1 victory in an hour and a half, securing her third top-10 victory. Olga scored 14 points more than Jessica, landing in 76% of the first serve and making the difference. Both players created six break points.
Danilovic denied all six and kept the pressure on the other side. She prevailed in the opener and stormed over the 7th seed in the second set with two breaks for a notable win and Djokovic’s celebration. Olga denied two break points at the beginning of the duel.
Olga Danilovic & Jessica Pegula, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
They served well in the next eight games, reaching 5-5 and extending the drama. Pegula denied a break point in the 11th game and reached a tie break. The Serb served well and stepped in at 4-3. A left-hander landed a volley winner in the eighth point for 5-3.
Olga painted a forehand crosscourt winner for 6-3 and three set points. Danilovic converted the first with a backhand winner for a massive boost. Danilovic denied four break points in the third game of the second set and secured a break in the next one for 3-1.
The Serb grabbed another break in the sixth game and sealed the deal with a service winner in the next one for a notable victory.
Tennis World USA