Plant-based diet works wonders for no-nonsense Djokovic

vak Djokovic trumpeted benefits of his plant-based diet Friday in helping him thrash Yoshihito Nishioka and move into Australian Open fourth round. Serbian defending champion swept past Japanese 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in just 85 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to reach a Grand Slam round of 16 for 50th time -- second only to Roger Federer's 67.

"I love playing on court. I like conditions," said world number two after firing down 17 aces, along with 40 winners.

"I'm starting to feel very, very comfortable and compact on court. I'm going to try to keep that going."

Plant-based diet works wonders

win set up a clash with 14th seed Diego Schwartzman for a place in quarter-finals after Argentinian beat Djokovic's countryman Dusan Lajovic 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (9/7). "Diego is definitely one of quickest on tour. Hopefully if I serve as good as I did today, I feel I have a decent chance," said second seed, who has been in fine touch at Melbourne Park, and in le-up ATP Cup. Targeting a record eighth Australian title and a 17th Grand Slam crown, he attributes his continuing success partly to his diet, having given up meat more than four years ago.

"I'm very pleased to be plant-based and play on this level w for four-and-a-half years. re has been a lot of criticism also. You kw, people around me didn't really think that I could do that," he said.

"Hopefully I can inspire or athletes that it is possible to be plant-based and to recover well, to have strength, to have muscles.

"I'm t a weightlifter, of course, but I do have an optimal balance between strength and power and speed. And, you kw, thing seems to be missing, at least from my experience. So I will keep on enjoying that."

Djokovic gave away just three games in his first and only meeting with left-hander Nishioka in Davis Cup last year and 24-year-old fared little better at Melbourne Park. He was broken in his first service game and was match for power and precision of Djokovic. Djokovic twisted knife with ar early break in second set as he went through gears.

Nishioka became despondent with Djokovic doing wrong, winning 34 points in a row on his serve before a double fault brought run to a halt. He wrapped up one-sided rout when Japanese sent a forehand wide. "That's definitely one of best service matches I have h lately," said Djokovic. "I was inspired by my coach Goran (Ivanisevic) who came out here today. He brings a lot of insight." Djokovic is seeking to become only third man to win eight or more titles at same Grand Slam after Rafael Nal (12 at Roland Garros) and Federer (eight at Wimbledon).