Djokovic outlasts Wawrinka in 5-hour epic

Novak Djokovic edged past Stanislas Wawrinka 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 12-10 to move into the Australian Open quarterfinals.

Novak Djokovic got a huge scare from 15th-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka before hanging on for a 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 12-10 win on Sunday to advance to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

Djokovic broke Wawrinka’s service in the final game to clinch 5 hours, 2-minute match on his third match point with a cross-court backhand.

Djokovic is the two-time defending champion and has an 18-match winning streak at Melbourne Park.

Djokovic praised Wawrinka, saying “he deserved equally to be a winner.” Wawrinka left the court in tears after a heroic performance.