MELBOURNE, (Reuters) – Australian Open contenders Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer recorded impressive wins to reach the third round at Melbourne Park yesterday.
Defending champion Djokovic made quick work of Japan’s Tatsuma Ito with a comfortable 6-1 6-4 6-2 victory, while 20-times Grand Slam winner Federer beat Filip Krajinovic of Serbia 6-1 6-4 6-1.
Federer came into the year’s first Grand Slam without playing any warm-up events but has dropped only 13 games in two matches to reach the third round for the 21st consecutive year.
In the women’s draw, Serena Williams, who is bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title, eased past Slovenian Tamara Zidansek 6-2 6-3.
American teenage sensation Coco Gauff rallied from a set down to beat Sorana Cirstea 4-6 6-3 7-5 in a thrilling encounter.
The 15-year-old Gauff, who beat seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams in the opening round, will face defending champion Naomi Osaka in the last 32.
