The Next Gen ATP Finals titlist from South Korea continued his surprise run into the quarter-finals when he beat the six-time former champion 7-6 (4), 7-5, 7-6 (3).

Six time Australian Open titlist advanced past no.21 seed Albert Ramos-Viñolas 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 on Margaret Court Arena on Saturday to reach the fourth round for the 11th time.

Novak survived a scorching Melbourne summer’s day and an early challenge from Gael Monfils on Thursday to reach the Australian Open third round. The 30-year-old Serbian star rallied from a set down to beat the Frenchman 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-3.

Novak marked his return to competitive play on Tuesday afternoon with an impressive display of power tennis and excellent movement. Competing for the first time since Wimbledon 2017, Djokovic moved past Donald Young 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in one hour and 52 minutes on Margaret Court Arena.

Novak, a record six–time AO titlist, is set to play in his first tour event after Wimbledon last summer. The 30-year-old Serbian star is no.14 seed and will open campaign against world no.63 Donald Young (USA). It will be their third career meeting (2-0 H2H).

After pulling out from Abu Dhabi exho and ATP Doha event due to pain in his right elbow, Novak is travelling to Australia where he will take part in two exhibition tournaments. After the two events, the decision will be made about his participation at the first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open (15-28 January, 2018), where Nole has been crowned champion six times.