Australian Open: Djokovic defeats Tsonga to book showdown with Shapovalov

World number one Novak Djokovic edged past Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France to advance into the third round of the men's singles event of the ongoing Australian Open at the Melbourne Park on Thursday.

The six-time champion defeated his French counterpart 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 to book a showdown with 19-year-old Denis Shapovalov of Canada.

Djokovic produced the first move to break for a 3-1 lead, but the Frenchman made a comeback. The Serbian player, however, converted his fourth break point chance when Tsonga made a backhand error. Three straight forehand errors from Tsonga handed Djokovic a 3-2 lead in the third set, which proved to be enough to seal his victory over Tsonga.

"It is always tough playing Jo (Wilfried Tsonga). He has struggled with injuries in the last 12 months. His ranking does not do him justice at the moment - he has always been a top player in my eyes, and he has got plenty of experience playing on the big stage, so it was a pleasure to play against him tonight," Australian Open quoted Djokovic, as saying.

The Serbian player is hoping to capture his 15th Grand Slam championship crown and move ahead of America's Pete Sampras (14) in the all-time major singles title list.

-ANI