MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic was in the zone with a dazzling demolition of Ryan Harrison as he stormed into the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday.
The world number one was in irresistible form, outclassing the young American 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 in just one hour 31 minutes of high-class tennis on Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic, a three-time winner and going for three straight Australian titles, will next play Czech journeyman Radek Stepanek in the last 32.
The Serb said it was one of the best matches he has played in the early rounds at a Grand Slam.
"I've played many matches in Grand Slams in my career, so it's tough to compare which one is the best I would take under the circumstances," he said.
"I tried to focus on the start and I knew that he had nothing to lose and would come out with his big serves, but I managed to make some very important early breaks at the start of the match.
"I was a set up after 20 minutes and it was a mental advantage, I felt much more comfortable on the court.
"This was definitely a better performance than the first round.
"I managed to play in a very high level already in the second round of a Grand Slam, which is very encouraging for next challenge."
Djokovic jumped out of the blocks and won 12 of the first 13 points to put the young American on the back foot and down an early service break.
He broke Harrison again in the sixth game and wrapped up the opening set in just 20 minutes.
The Serb top seed carried on where he left off breaking the American's opening service to win seven of the first eight games.
Djokovic broke Harrison's serve for a fourth time to carry on the blitz and raced to a two sets to love lead via three set points in 30 minutes.
Harrison was broken again in the opening game of the final set as Djokovic closed in on victory.
But the young American refused to give in and held three service games under pressure, to the appreciation of the centre court crowd.
Djokovic again put Harrison's service under pressure and took out the match on his second match point.
"He played really well," Harrison said. "Kind of getting broke in that first service game, giving a guy that's that good a little bit of a lead and letting him front-run is just not the ideal way to start."
- AFP/fa
Tennis: Djokovic dazzles in straight-sets win over Harrison
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Tennis: Djokovic dazzles in straight-sets win over Harrison
