Djokovic survives injury scare to beat Fritz in 5 sets

Novak Djokovic overcame a fall and stymied a comeback attempt by American Taylor Fritz to move into the fourth round at the Australian Open.

The top-ranked Djokovic continued his bid for a ninth championship at Melbourne Park and 18th Grand Slam title overall by winning 7-6 (1), 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena, which was empty by the end.

The match began with spectators present, but they were forced to leave the stadium a little past 11:30 p.m. because a local COVID-19 lockdown began at midnight. No fans will be allowed at the tournament for at least five days.

Djokovic seemed to be cruising along to a 17th consecutive win against a U.S. opponent after taking the first two sets.

But his left foot gave out from under him as he tried to change directions early in the third set. Djokovic took a medical timeout for treatment on his side and later was visited by a trainer during changeovers.

The 27th-seeded Fritz got back into the match but couldn’t pull off the upset as Djokovic eventually seemed to be feeling better and able to move and play more like himself.