Novak Djokovic prepared for the long haul in his second-round match at the Australian Open on the second day of heatwave, but needed less than two hours to roll past Leonardo Mayer 6-0, 6-4, 6-4 on Wednesday.
“I brought eight or nine shirts and seven racquets to the court,” the four-time winner said after his victory in one and three-quarter hours. “You’ve always got to be prepared to play five sets, even if you are the favourite.” The second seed advanced with 12 aces, 30 winners and multiple breaks against his 98th-ranked Argentine opponent.
Djokovic once had a reputation as fragile, quitting in the Melbourne heat in 2009 against Andy Roddick and often subject to injury and fatigue.
But that was before the 26-year-old Serb jettisoned his normal diet for the gluten-free life and built up both his coaching and fitness team and his own stamina.
Now, with the addition of Boris Becker in his corner, the winner of the last three editions is supremely confident.
“I’m satisfied with my performance today,” said the Serb. “It was better than my first match. Hopefully I can continue raising my level as the tournament goes on.
“I can always do better, this give me motivation to go to the practice court and do the work. I’ve matured in my attitude and I’ve gotten physically better. I’m able to maintain the fitness and keep a high level throughout the year.
“Today was tough conditions for both of us,” he said of the 40-degrees-Celsius temperatures, which are due to continue until cooler weather arrives on Saturday. “You have to try and find a mental edge in the tough moments.”
Spanish ironman David Ferrer, seeded third, advanced over Adrian Mannarino 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-0, 6-3 while seventh seed Tomas Berdych beat another Frenchman in Kenny De Schepper 6-4, 6-1, 6-3.
“It was a straightforward win, I saved some energy. I played well and solid through all the three sets. I didn’t drop a serve, which made me especially happy,” said Berdych.
French ninth seed Richard Gasquet beat Russian veteran Nikolay Davydenko 7-6 (7-3), 6-4, 6-4, and later drew a crowd of sweltering fans as he held an autograph session.
German Florian Mayer upset Russian 14th seed Mikhail Youzhny 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
Women's Singles
In women’s play, top seed Serena Williams and number four Li Na turned in solid wins in the heat, with Williams beating Serb Vesna Dolonc 6-1, 6-2 and Li defeating Swiss 16-year-old Belinda Bencic, coached by the mother of Martina Hingis, 6-0, 7-6 (7-5).
“It keeps getting hotter, every day is really hot,” said Williams. “I actually think I was happy just to get that win under my belt and have a chance to go to the next round.”
German Angelique Kerber put out Alla Kudryastseva 6-4, 6-2 but compatriot Sabine Lisicki, seeded 15th, was upset by Romania’s Monica Niculescu 2-6, 6-2, 6-2.