The 24-time Grand Slam singles champion reached the third round at Melbourne Park.
Published January 22, 2026
Novak Djokovic systematically defeated Italian qualifier Francesco Mastrelli 6-3 6-2 6-2 on Thursday to reach the third round of the Australian Open and continue his quest to make more history at Rod Laver Arena.
Fourth-seeded Djokovic, aiming for a record-extending 11th Melbourne Park title and 25th Grand Slam trophy in order to break the deadlock with Margaret Court, did not go into top gear and maintained a steady grip in the second-round match.
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“I didn’t know much about him (Maestrelli) until a few days ago, but it happens a lot these days,” Djokovic said of his 23-year-old opponent.
“But there’s always respect and I didn’t underestimate him. He’s got a big serve and a big game, just a little lack of experience. He’s got the game to go much higher in the world rankings, and I wish him that.”
The 38-year-old stormed through the first set with a break in the second game and attacked again in the first game of the next set, putting pressure on world No. 141 Mastrelli, who struggled to capitalize on his few chances.
Djokovic brought in a set point with an acrobatic backhand and secured the set with a no-return shot from the same side, moving him closer to his 399th Grand Slam win and 101st in Melbourne, just shy of record-holder Roger Federer.
Mastrelli recovered a break after conceding two goals in the third set and had a rare moment of jubilation, but Djokovic leveled up again to wrap up the win and book a match against Botic van de Zantsschulp or Junchen Xiang.
