Elsewhere, Jannik Sinner showed why he is one of Djokovic’s biggest rivals for the title by thrashing Argentine Sebastian Baez.

The Italian fourth seed raced into the second week in Melbourne with a 6-0 6-1 6-3 win in less than two hours.

He won four titles in 2023 and ended it on a high by leading Italy to a first Davis Cup title for 47 years.

The 22-year-old is bidding to reach a first Grand Slam final but said he was trying to smile and laugh more on court.

“We know that every match, every tournament is important, but it’s also more important to stay in a good mood always,” he said.

A relaxed Sinner showed his good mood on Margaret Court Arena as he joked with his coaching team moments before securing the win against 26th seed Baez.

“In matches, I used to be really, really serious, which I still am, obviously,” he added.

“But sometimes you have to smile, you have to laugh a little bit, because it’s also important and it changes your attitude on the court. I think in a positive way.”

Sinner will face Karen Khachanov next after the Russian 15th seed overcame a third-set wobble to beat Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 7-6 (7-5).

Also on Friday, Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Frenchman Luca Van Assche to set up a fourth-round meeting with American 12th seed Taylor Fritz.

The Greek seventh seed rushed into a two-set lead, but had to fight back from a 2-0 deficit in the third to win 6-3 6-0 6-4.

Meanwhile, Fritz came from a set down to beat Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan 3-6 6-4 6-2 6-2.