Novak Djokovic demonstrated his enduring dominance at Melbourne Park with a commanding 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli during Thursday’s Australian Open action. The 38-year-old Serbian champion needed just over two hours to secure his place in the third round, maintaining his pursuit of an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title and a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam championship.
The match represented Djokovic’s 399th career Grand Slam match victory and his 101st win at Melbourne Park, placing him just one victory shy of Roger Federer’s all-time record. Despite facing an unfamiliar opponent ranked 141st globally, Djokovic maintained professional respect while executing a tactically superior performance.
‘I didn’t know much about him until a few days ago, which happens frequently these days,’ Djokovic acknowledged regarding his 23-year-old opponent. ‘But the respect remains constant. He possesses a powerful serve and substantial game potential, primarily requiring additional competitive experience.’
In women’s competition, defending champion Madison Keys advanced despite second-set complications against compatriot Ashlyn Krueger. The ninth-seeded American secured a 6-1, 7-5 victory after overcoming service inconsistencies that momentarily threatened her progression. Keys will next confront former world number one Karolina Pliskova.
Other notable results featured fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti’s straight-set triumph over fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego (6-3, 6-3, 6-4), while eighth-seeded Ben Shelton delivered an impressive 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory against Australia’s Dane Sweeny. Sixth seed Jessica Pegula demonstrated particular dominance with a 58-minute, 6-0, 6-2 demolition of doubles partner McCartney Kessler.
The tournament continues with defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner, women’s second seed Iga Świątek, and two-time champion Naomi Osaka all scheduled for Thursday evening matches.