The 10-time Australian Open champion battled a heckler, berated technology, bounced his racquet in frustration and endured two medical time-outs on Rod Laver Arena on Friday.
But he still ultimately arrived at a familiar destination, the fourth round of the Open for a 17th time, after seeing off Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac 6-1 6-4 6-4 in an eventful two hours and 22 minutes.
The super Serb joins Roger Federer as only the second 37-year-old to make the last 16 of the Open since the tournament moved to Melbourne Park and a 128-man draw in 1988.
But despite the straight-sets scoreline, his passage was anything but smooth.
Djokovic called for the tournament doctor for an unspecified illness early in the second set, then left the court before the third for more treatment.
The seventh seed constantly pleaded with the umpire to quieten the crowd, and was especially annoyed at one spectator for continually calling the ball out late.
Djokovic also questioned the electronic line calling machine on a night of high drama.
Djokovic was at his belligerent best in crushing Tomas Machac in three sets. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)
"I'm hot-headed right now," he said after conceding he was concerned mid-match due to his faltering condition and the pluck of his opponent.
"I'm not 19 anymore.
"Just somehow managed to turn things around, hold my serve when I needed to and a couple of points really decided that second set that could have gone his way.
"That maybe could have changed the outcome of the match.
"Overall I think in the third, I felt fresh, moved really well. Overall very pleased with my game.
"Of course there's always something, but this is definitely the best match I've played."
Djokovic will play another seeded Czech on Sunday in Jiri Lehecka while continuing his quest for an unprecedented 25th grand slam singles title.
19°C