Novak Djokovic holds off Fernando Verdasco for fourth round spot

Serbia's Novak Djokovic shakes hands after victory in his men's singles match against Spain's Fernando Verdasco

Melbourne, Jan 24: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic raised his level as needed on Saturday to withstand the challenge of Spain's Fernando Verdasco, beating the Spaniard 7-6(8), 6-3, 6-4 to reach the Australian Open fourth round in Melbourne.

The Serbian is through to the fourth round at Melbourne Park for the ninth consecutive year and is yet to drop a set in this campaign.

Djokovic won his first major championship Down Under in 2008 and went on to win three successive titles from 2011-13 before his 25-match winning streak in Melbourne ended at the hands of Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka in the quarter-finals last year.

The 27-year-old Djokovic goes on to face Gilles Muller, who upset the 19th-seeded John Isner 7-6(4), 7-6(6), 6-4 in two hours and 13 minutes.