Djokovic, Murray maul French opponents

Serena Williams and Petra Kvitova were on court for less than an hour as injuries and mismatches again blighted the women's draw, while Maria Sharapova handled the first true test of her Open credentials in style to sweep into the next round.

World number one Djokovic secured his place in the last 16 by beating Frenchman Nicolas Mahut, whose 11 hours and five minutes marathon match with John Isner at Wimbledon 2010 was the longest in tennis history.

It took the Serb nine hours and 51 minutes less to beat Mahut, who was hindered by heavy strapping on his knee.

"Obviously I feel for my opponent, who evidently could not move on the court," Djokovic said after his 6-0 6-1 6-1 romp. "I think most of the people expected him to just retire ... and walk out of the court.

"But he managed to stay. So all the credit for him."

Text: Reuters Images: AP

Image: Serbia's Novak Djokovic makes a forehand return to France's Nicholas Mahut during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship, in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012.

Australian Open 2012