Novak Djokovic next match: Defending champion’s schedule at 2024 Australian Open after second round battle

Novak Djokovic is relishing the chance to play a full tennis schedule in 2024 after getting the defence of his Australian Open title underway.

The world number one has seen his tournament plans consistently disrupted by restrictions since the coronavirus pandemic.

Djokovic is on a 29-match win streak at the Australian OpenCredit: AFP
However, this year will be the first since 2019 that Djokovic will be free to compete in any tournament as he bids to claim two more titles to make up his career century.

The record 24-time Grand Slam champion enjoyed a fruitful 2023, with Wimbledon being the only major event he failed to win.

Djokovic will now be itching to claim a record-extending 11th Australian Open title, with main rival Rafael Nadal out through injury.

Novak Djokovic next match
Djokovic’s next match is on Saturday, January 20.

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He will face Tomas Martin Echeverry who knocked out Andy Murray in straight sets in his opening game of the tournament.

The World No. 1 beat Australian Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 in the second round to set up a clash with Echeverry.

It wasn’t an easy task though, as he lost the second set before winning a crucial third on a tiebreak and going on to win.

All of Djokovic’s matches will be shown live on Eurosport in the UK.

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You can also stream every match live and on-demand on discovery+. Entertainment & Sport pass prices are £6.99/month or £59.99/year.

Novak Djokovic cups ear and sarcastically blows kisses to Team GB section of crowd at Davis Cup for shouting between serves

Djokovic levelled the standings with Nadal after becoming a 10-time Australian Open winnerCredit: Getty
Australian Open 2024: Schedule
Here are his potential dates in action…

Sunday, January 14 – Djokovic 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-4 Prizmic
Wednesday, January 17 – Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 Popyrin
Saturday, January 20 – Djokovic vs Echeverry
Sunday, January 21 – Men’s fourth-round matches
Monday, January 22 – Men’s fourth-round matches
Tuesday, January 23 – Men’s quarter-finals
Wednesday, January 24 – Men’s quarter-finals
Friday, January 26 – Men’s semi-finals
Sunday, January 28 – Men’s final

What has been said?
Speaking after beating Popyrin, Djokovic said: “He had quite an easy forehand and he missed it.

“I didn’t do anything special, and I was lucky on that point, on that game, to get away.

“He was the better player I think for a set and a half. In the second set and third set, he was the better player.

“Things changed around, and the momentum shifted in the tie-break. I managed to put the ball more in the court than he did.

“I don’t think I played at the highest level. In some instances, yes, but also credit to him for tactically coming up with the right game plan and serving big.

“He deserves a big round of applause.”