Six-time champion Novak Djokovic is through to the third round of the Australian Open after outlasting French opponent Gael Monfils in sweltering conditions at Melbourne Park.
Djokovic looked far from his best in the 39-degree heat but was still too good for the enigmatic world No.39, maintaining his perfect record against Monfils with a 4-6 6-3 6-1 6-3 victory.
The Serbian will play Spanish 21st seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the round of 32 at Melbourne Park.
Djokovic needed four match points, screaming in frustration on the third after Monfils hit a cross-court forehand winner to extend the two hours, 45-minute match.
A visibly drained Monfils had earlier looked close to retiring after taking the first set over a slow-starting Djokovic.
The 193cm baseliner was gasping for air between points and approached the chair umpire midway through the second set to warn that he was on the verge of collapsing.
Four-time grand slam winner Jim Courier, commentating for the Seven Network, said Monfils appeared to be “in a daze”.
“It was tough to breathe. Yeah, I think it was the hardest I have (experienced),” Monfils said after the match.
“For sure, we took risk. No matter how much you train in the heat, how much you like the heat, is very tough.
“It was some harm, you know. I get super dizzy. I think I have a small heatstroke for 40 minutes … even with the ice towel, the water, I think my body was super warm.”
Monfils was seen by the tournament doctor and briefly left the court after giving up the second set.
He returned and held serve to start the third set but Djokovic remained in control.
The 12-time grand slam winner began to also feel the heat during the fourth set, appearing to complain to his players’ box with coaches Andre Agassi and Radep Stepanek watching on.
But Djokovic, who is coming back from a six-month elbow injury layoff, held on to claim a scrappy victory in which he made 40 unforced errors and sent down 11 double-faults.
“There is a limit and that is a level of, I guess, tolerance between being fit and being, I think, in danger in terms of health,” Djokovic later said.
“(Today) was right at the limit.
“I think there are certain days where you just have to, as a tournament supervisor, recognise that you might need to give players few extra hours until (the temperature) comes down.”
