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Australian Open 2021: Novak Djokovic grinds out a win, Venus limps out and more

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic had to battle hard to reach the third round of the 2021 Australian Open. The double defending-champion posted a hard-fought 6-3, 6-7(3), 7-6(2), 6-3 over American Francis Tiafoe. There was, however, disappointment for the likes of Petra Kvitova and Venus Williams, who crashed out of the year's first Grand Slam. Here we take a look at some of the major matches from Day 3 of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Venus Williams

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Venus Williams

Venus Williams injures her ankle in the first set of the second round match of Australian Open against Sara Errani of Italy. Venus injured her ankle in the first set but carried on valiantly to bow out with a 1-6, 0-6 defeat at the hands of the Italian. (Photo: Reuters)

Sorana Cirstea

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Unseeded Sorana Cirstea stunned No. 9 seed Petra Kvitova in the second round of the 2021 Australian Open. (Photo: Reuters)

Unseeded Sorana Cirstea stunned No. 9 seed Petra Kvitova in the second round of the 2021 Australian Open. Cirstea won 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 to post her first top 10 win in a Grand Slam after nine years. (Photo: Reuters)

Garbine Muguruza

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2020 Australian Open runners-up Garbine Muguruza returns to Ludmilla Samsonova of Russia in the second round tie of the 2021 Australian Open. (Source: Twitter)

2020 Australian Open runners-up Garbine Muguruza returns to Ludmilla Samsonova of Russia in the second round tie of the 2021 Australian Open. The No. 14 seed defeated qualifier Samsonova 6-3, 6-1. (Source: Twitter)

Marton Fuscovics

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Italian Marton Fuscovics in action against Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland in Australian Open 2021 second round match. (Source: Twitter)

Italian Marton Fuscovics in action against Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland in Australian Open 2021 second round match. Fuscovics stunned the Swiss 17th seed 7-5, 6-1, 4-6, 2-6, 7-6 (11) in titanic five-set encounter. (Source: Twitter)

Novak Djokovic

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Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns to Francis Tiafoe of the USA in their second-round match at Australian Open 2021. (Source: Twitter)

Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns to Francis Tiafoe of the USA in their second-round match at Australian Open 2021. Djokovic posted a 6-3, 6-7(3), 7-6(2), 6-3 win. "Very tough match," said a relieved Djokovic on court, his voice faint and hoarse from the battle. "Also difficult conditions. While we had sun on the court it was very, very warm," he added. (Source: Twitter)