Tennis-Djokovic survives Popyrin scare to reach third round

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 17, 2024 Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts after winning his second round match against Australia's Alexei Popyrin REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Defending champion Novak Djokovic survived a huge scare before beating home hope Alexei Popyrin 6-3 4-6 7-6(4) 6-3 to reach the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old Serb, bidding for a record-extending 11th crown in Melbourne, was in deep trouble in the third set when errors began to flow and he had to save four set points.