Novak Djokovic had to erase a deficit of two sets in a Grand Slam match for the eighth time in his career.
The Serbian star had to dig deep against compatriot Laslo Djere after the 28-year-old player enjoyed an initial lead of 6-4 and 6-4.
However, Djokovic, who is throwing everything into the battle for his 24th Grand Slam title this season, fought back superbly to finally clinch the match 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 and 6-3.
“It’s actually incredible. It is almost 2am and many people are still here to follow the game. I hope you enjoyed the show, because it was definitely not very fun for me – especially the first two sets,” said the 36-year-old tennis star.
“In fact, I think that this match is one of my toughest matches in years. Laslo deserves a big pat on the back for the way he played.”
Djere especially put the three-time champion under pressure with his power play and Djokovic admitted that he had to cheer himself up after the first two sets.
“I also laughed a bit at myself because I was just pissed off that I struggled like that on the track.”
However, he was able to turn things around in the third set after a good burst of tennis of 26 shots. After that, it was pretty much one-way traffic in the game.
Djokovic will face Borna Gojo in the next round after the Croatian player beat Jiri Vesely 6-4, 6-3 and 6-2.
Results:
Novak Djokovic beats Laslo Djere 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 and 6-3
Taylor Fritz beat Jakub Mensik 6-1, 6-2 and 6-0
Frances Tiafoe beats Adrian Mannarino 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-6
Tommy Paul beats Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-1, 6-0, 3-6, 6-3
Daniil Medvedev beats Christopher O’Connell 6-2, 6-2, 7-6, 6-2
Sorana Cirstea beat Elena Rybakina 6-3, 6-7 and 6-4
Coco Gauff beat Elise Mertens 3-6, 6-3 and 6-0.
