Djokovic 7-6 4-6 3-0 Fritz*

Djokovic is rolling now. A love-hold and Djokovic is back in charge.

It must be so hard for Fritz, who gave everything to haul himself level in the second set. Djokovic has raised his game and now Fritz needs to start again.

The American had only won two sets in his previous eight meetings against Djokovic – that was in a five-set defeat in the fourth round of the Aussie in 2021. The other seven defeats had all come in straight sets.

*Djokovic 7-6 4-6 2-0 Fritz – Djokovic breaks!

Djokovic has looked to reset after that second set and a nervy backhand from Fritz pulled wide offers a look at 15-30. It’s followed by a great serve from Fritz, though, only for Djokovic to take charge in the rally and start hitting for the lines, dragging Fritz around the back of the court.

Break point: Djokovic is patient and picks his moment to attack on the forehand… and there it is! Djokovic lands the clean winner past Fritz as he unleashes his forehand strike!

That’s Djokovic’s first break point… on his 16th attempt!

Djokovic 7-6 4-6 1-0 Fritz*

We had an eight-minute break between the end of the second and start of the third as Fritz went off court. Fritz wins the opening point with a lovely drop shot, only for Djokovic to take charge. That’s before an entertaining exchange as Djokovic sends Fritz scrambling around the net, before reaching the lob to play the tweener! Djokovic wins it – but great effort from Fritz.

Dkokovic then holds with an ace.

*Djokovic 7-6 4-6 Fritz – Fritz wins the second set!

Meanwhile, the day’s schedule on Rod Laver is in tatters… Djokovic and Fritz are heading for at least four hours, maybe five, after Gauff and Kostyuk played for three hours in the earlier quarter-final.

Sabalenka vs Krejcikova, the first match of the night session, was meant to be on at 7pm local time, that’s probably not going to start until at least after 9pm… maybe even 10pm?

And that’s followed by Sinner vs Rublev! That could be a long one too. Does it start before midnight?! Does it finish before 3am?!

*Djokovic 7-6 4-6 Fritz – Fritz wins the second set!

What a remarkable set from Fritz! The American hit 21 winners to nine unforced errors, and played some clutch tennis on the biggest points of the set.

That included on seven Djokovic break points – all of them went unconverted, taking the champion to 0/15 for this match!

We’ve played two hours and 23 minutes… this is going loooooong.

*Djokovic 7-6 4-6 Fritz – Fritz wins the second set!

Wonderful start from Fritz as he puts away the smash to get to 30-0.

Djokovic nets from the baseline and Fritz has three set points.

ACE?!?! As easy as you like from Fritz! He takes the second set and levels the match!

Djokovic 7-6 4-5 Fritz*

Haha. One of the wildest winners of Djokovic’s career surely, as he volleys a baseline ball from Fritz from his shin.

So, back to Fritz. Can he serve this out and level the match?

It’s a crucial game for the American. His record is 0-8 against Djokovic and going two sets down would make those chances of getting a first win feel impossible.

*Djokovic 7-6 3-5 Fritz

This has been so impressive from Fritz. He saves break point again with a backhand winner down the line!

But Djokovic forces another – his 15th of the match and fourth of this game – but it’s met by another backhand line winner from Fritz! A remarkable game, this.

Djokovic slaps a second-serve forehand return into the net.

ACE from Fritz and one of the best holds you will see this tournament!

Djokovic is 0/15 on break points. 0/15. Staggering.

Djokovic 7-6 3-4 Fritz*

Fritz looked to be in a comfortable position on 30-0… but I don’t think you can ever be in a comfortable position against Djokovic. Two unforced errors in a row mid-rally see Djokovic get back to 30-40… Fritz comes into the net and his backhand volley just about manages to drop onto the line! Well played.

Djokovic’s depth to the baseline forces the backhand error, and another break point!

RALLY OF THE MATCH SO FAR! A 25-shot rally, some inspired backhand hitting from Fritz and defence from Djokovic, then a brilliant angle from Djokovic is returned by Fritz, who saves break point! Stunning.

Deuce… and Djokovic steps in on the backhand winner down the line!

Another break point.

Djokovic 7-6 3-4 Fritz*

Fritz is putting all his energy into holding serve, so Djokovic is able to find some rhythm as he ticks off another hold – featuring a beauty of a drop shot.