Nole continues to redefine tennis longevity and dominance.
Ten-time Australian Open champion began his quest for one more title in Melbourne with an announcement efficiency.
Within the first spherical of the 2026 Australian Open, Novak displayed excellent tennis and defeated world no.71 Pedro Martinez in straight units, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
With this win, the Serbian star made historical past as soon as once more, recording his a hundredth profession victory at Melbourne Park.
The match on Rod Laver Enviornment lasted precisely two hours.
Novak got here out robust, breaking his rival’s serve within the second recreation, and took an early 3-0 lead. He stayed in full management and comfortably closed the primary set 6-3.
Within the second set, Djokovic raised his degree much more and fully dominated. He broke the Spaniard’s serve twice and confidently received the set 6-2 to go up 2:0.
Novak continued to play at a really excessive degree within the third set, and with one other double break he completed the match in fashion.
“Tonight’s efficiency was nice, I can’t complain about something. I served very properly,” mentioned Djokovic. “It’s at all times a problem to kick-start the match on the appropriate observe and ship the appropriate sign not solely to your self however your opponents watching you play. I’ve a few days with no match to recuperate my physique. I’m utilizing each hour to get in form for the subsequent problem.”
Match statistics: aces (14-2), double faults (0-6), winners (49-14), unforced errors (21-26), whole factors received (98-57).
Novak will subsequent face 23-year-old Italian Francesco Maestrelli, who reached the principle draw by means of the qualifying rounds.
The world no.141 is making his Grand Slam debut and has by no means performed Novak earlier than. The second spherical match is scheduled on Thursday.
Photograph: Profimedia
