Novak Djokovic Cruises into Australian Open Third Round

Novak Djokovic showcased his remarkable skills as he cruised into the Australian Open third round with an impressive win over Francesco Maestrelli. The match concluded with a score of 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, and took place on January 22, 2026.

Djokovic’s Milestone Achievement

This victory marked Djokovic’s 399th win in Grand Slam singles matches. With his next win, he will become the first player in history to achieve 400 Grand Slam singles victories. Despite dropping a service game early, Djokovic regained control and delivered a dominant performance.

Match Highlights

• First dropped service game of the tournament in the sixth game of the third set.
• Immediately broke back to take a commanding lead.
• Finished the match with a flawless run of services.

Djokovic’s opponent, Maestrelli, ranked 141st, was making his debut in a Grand Slam main draw and impressed with his skill, particularly his powerful serve. Djokovic acknowledged Maestrelli’s potential, noting, “He’s got a big game, but he’s lacking experience on the big stage.”

Looking Ahead

As he progresses through the tournament, Djokovic seeks an unprecedented 11th title at Melbourne Park and a 25th Grand Slam title overall. This achievement would not only solidify him as the most decorated tennis player but also make him the oldest man in the Open era to win a major singles championship.

Upcoming Challenge

In the upcoming third round, Djokovic is set to face Botic Van De Zandschulp, who secured his spot with a victory over Shang Juncheng. Meanwhile, notable players like Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton continue their quests for the championship, each winning their respective matches decisively.

• Jannik Sinner defeated James Duckworth: 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.
• Ben Shelton won against Dane Sweeny: 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
• Lorenzo Musetti advanced past Lorenzo Sonego: 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.

Djokovic’s commitment to refining his skills during the offseason is evident. He expressed the importance of continuous improvement, stating, “When I have more time, I obviously try to look at my game and different elements that I can really improve.” His dedication to excellence continues to reflect in his performances on the court.