Andreas Seppi was unable to repeat his Melbourne giant-killing as he fell in straight sets to Novak Djokovic, in the same round as he'd defeated Roger Federer in 2015.
Djokovic was not at his best during the match, but still managed to avoid dropping a set as he joined Federer in the second week. The world number one will face 14th seed Gilles Simon for a place in the quarter-finals.
Fast start for world number one
Djokovic started the match as the heavy favourite, and thoroughly justified that tag during a lightning first set, taking just 25 minutes to win it 6-1. The Serbian looked to be on his way to another easy victory, and coast into round four.
From then on, however, he didn't have it all his own way, as Seppi had break points in the first game of the second, before saving some on his own serve a few games later. It took until the eleventh game for Djokovic to make a breakthrough, before serving out the set, 7-5. The second set had lasted over twice as long as the first at 59 mintues, and things did not get any easier for Djokovic in the third.
Third set goes to tiebreak
Seppi again forced break points early in the set, but was once more unable to take advantage, Djokovic holding from 15-40. Neither player could find a way to break, and the set proceeded to a tiebreak. The Italian had more chances to hurt his opponent, and even had two set points at 6-4 up, but was unable to take either of them as Djokovic won the next four points to take the set and match.
Djokovic afterwards seemed pleased with his start, but a little disappointed with his play after the first set. "I started very well," was his verdict, before saying "I backed up half a step" in the second.
The world number one wasn't dwelling on it though, saying of his straight-sets win "certainly I must be pleased."
The Serbian will be feeling optimistic about his chances of reaching another quarterfinal in Melbourne - his only loss to Simon came in their first meeting eight years ago, since when Djokovic has been victorious nine times.