Australian Open: Novak Djokovic downs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets

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Interestingly, Novak and Jo played their first match here at Melbourne Park in the final 11 years ago, with Novak winning that one and 16 other encounters versus the French rival for a 17-6 score in head to head details.

Djokovic scored his 260th Grand Slam win after yet another solid display, doing just enough to prevail in straight sets and save energy for the next tests. Serving at 70%, Novak hit 12 aces and he managed to create more damage with his first serve than the rival, creating the crucial difference with his second serve despite two breaks he suffered.

Jo landed only 54% of the first serve in and he needed more than that against such a strong rival, dropping 40% of the points in his games and finishing with more unforced errors than winners on his tally. The Serb created nine break chances and five were enough to keep him in front and deliver the win in just over two hours, setting the third round clash with the young gun Denis Shapovalov.

Novak was off to a perfect start after two easy holds and a break in game four that sent him 3-1 up, only to suffer a break in the next game that ruined his streak. Nonetheless, Jo gave his serve away in the following game to drop 4-2 down, with Djokovic closing the opener with two great holds for a 6-3.

The Serb was 5-3 in front in set number two but he suffered a break at love while serving for it at 5-4, staying focused to earn another break in the very next game and bring the set home with a hold at love that moved him 6-3, 7-5 up.

The six-time champion lost just four points on serve in set number three and his win was inevitable, breaking the Frenchman at 2-2 after five game points that Jo squandered, serving well in the rest of the match for his 63rd triumph in Melbourne.

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