Djokovic steamrolls Maestrelli in Melbourne, keeps 25th Grand Slam quest on track

Novak Djokovic continued his relentless march at the Australian Open, brushing aside Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli with a commanding 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory to book his place in the third round on Thursday. The fourth seed delivered a performance marked by control and composure as he edged closer to yet another slice of tennis history. Chasing a record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park and a 25th Grand Slam crown overall, Djokovic never allowed the contest to drift out of his grasp.


Without needing to reach his highest intensity, the 38-year-old dictated play from the outset, breaking serve early in the opening set and maintaining pressure with his trademark depth and consistency from the baseline.


"I didn't know much about him (Maestrelli) until a few days ago, it happens more often than not these days," Djokovic said about his 23-year-old opponent.

"But the respect is always there and I didn't underestimate him. He's got a big serve and a big game, only lacking a bit of experience. He's got the game to go far and high in the world rankings and I wish him that."

Maestrelli, ranked 141 in the world, fought gamely but struggled to take advantage of the limited chances that came his way. Djokovic struck again in the first game of the second set, tightening his grip on the match. A spectacular backhand winner brought up set point, and an unreturned shot off the same wing sealed the set, moving the Serb closer to another milestone.

The victory marked Djokovic’s 399th Grand Slam match win and his 101st at the Australian Open, leaving him just one win shy of Roger Federer’s all-time Melbourne record. Maestrelli briefly lifted the crowd in the third set by reclaiming a break, but Djokovic swiftly raised his level, reasserting control to close out the match with authority.

With the win secured, Djokovic advanced smoothly into the third round, where he will face either Botic van de Zandschulp or China’s Juncheng Shang, as his quest for more history in Melbourne rolls on.