Djokovic advances with decisive victory in Australian Open
Novak Djokovic dispatched Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli with ease on Thursday, securing his position in the Australian Open third round with a 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory, reports BritPanorama.
The match, part of the ongoing tournament, saw the Serbian player, now 38, take just over two hours to defeat Maestrelli in their first ATP Tour encounter. Djokovic’s triumph keeps his pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam title alive, a feat that would surpass Margaret Court’s longstanding record, which he currently shares.
Next up for the ten-time Australian Open champion is a meeting with Botic Van De Zandschulp, who secured his place in the third round after a solid performance against Shang Juncheng.
In his post-match interview, Djokovic shared a unique aspect of his pre-tournament routine, involving a Brazilian fig tree in Melbourne’s Botanical Gardens, which he referred to as his “oldest friend” in the city. Speaking fondly, he described how the tree has provided him solace and healing throughout his two-decade relationship with the tournament. “It’s a beautiful connection. Nature is such a powerful ally; we sometimes forget about it in this fast-paced life,” he remarked.
Djokovic demonstrated his dominance early in the match, breaking Maestrelli’s serve right away and maintaining a firm grip throughout. He delivered two more breaks in the second set while remaining unthreatened in his own service games, displaying clinical efficiency across the contest.
A swift break to love in the final set allowed Djokovic to extend his control, and although he conceded his serve for the first time in the tournament, this minor setback proved inconsequential as he broke back immediately.
On his opponent, Djokovic acknowledged that he had only learned of Maestrelli shortly before their match, a sign of his reduced tournament schedule amidst an influx of emerging talent on the tour. “Nevertheless, respect is always there. I don’t underestimate anyone,” he commented, highlighting Maestrelli’s potential despite his lack of big-stage experience.
As Djokovic continues his quest for Grand Slam glory, the Australian Open once again plays host to a player who has immortalized his connection to the vibrant city and its unique sense of landscape—a reminder of the intricate bond between sport and nature in the pursuit of excellence.
