Djokovic, Serena cruise into the final 16
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World No. 1 Serena Williams made light of scorching temperatures to blast her way into the last 16 of the Australian Open yesterday in Melbourne.
Men’s top seed Novak Djokovic extended his winning streak to 27 matches and stayed on track for a fourth consecutive Australian Open title with a 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 win over Denis Istomin.
Djokovic, whose last defeat came against Rafael Nadal in the US Open final, is aiming to be the first player to win four Australian Open titles in a row in the Open Era. He hasn’t lost a set yet in Melbourne this week.
Third-seeded David Ferrer continued to carve his way through the men’s draw largely unnoticed, beating Jeremy Chardy of France 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-2 victory.
A fourth day of temperatures in excess of 42 degrees Celsius meant the demand for ice, liquids and sunscreen remained high but there was no repeat of Thursday’s suspension of play.
Temperatures are forecast to drop considerably today, a huge relief to players and organizers alike after four days of confusion over what constitutes dangerous conditions.
Count Williams among those who are relieved the heat wave will end.
“I definitely look forward to playing in the cooler temperatures,” said Williams, whose 6-3, 6-3 win over Daniela Hantuchova was a record 61st at the Australian Open, taking her past local great Margaret Court’s 60.
Williams will face 14th-seeded Ana Ivanovic, who eliminated 2011 US Open champion Sam Stosur 6-7 (8), 6-4, 6-2.
Ninth-seeded Angelique Kerber had a routine 6-3, 6-4 triumph over Alison Riske.
Kevin Anderson came from two sets down for the second time in four days to reach the last 16, outlasting Edouard Roger-Vasselin 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 7-5 in just under four hours.
Tomas Berdych, by contrast, eased into the fourth round without having dropped a set all week courtesy of a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Bosnian qualifier Damir Dzumhur on Hisense Arena.
Stan Wawrinka had a walkover after Canada’s Vasek Pospisil withdrew with a bad back.
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