No ‘triple bagel’ but Djokovic thumps Mannarino to reach quarters

Novak Djokovic marked a rare daytime appearance at the Australian Open with a dominant victory over Adrian Mannarino on Sunday as the 10-time champion flirted with a “triple bagel” before sealing a 6-0, 6-0, 6-3 win to reach the quarterfinals.

Djokovic, handed an early session slot at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021, said earlier in the week he had been battling a viral affection and the world No. 1 was coughing and appeared to be breathing heavily at times during the match.

The Serb’s health issues had no impact on his play, however, and with the roof at Rod Laver Arena closed due to rain he powered to a 32nd straight match victory at the tournament and a 58th Grand Slam quarterfinal, equaling the all-time record of Swiss maestro Roger Federer.