Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the 2026 Australian Open with a commanding straight-sets victory over Italy’s Francesco Maestrelli at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday.
The Serbian fourth seed was rarely troubled as he sealed a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win, continuing his pursuit of an 11th Australian Open singles title, according to Olympics.com.
He took immediate command of the match, establishing his dominance on the court with a 3-0 lead in the first set.
Maestrelli showed flashes of resistance, saving several break points with a series of powerful serves and three aces to force Djokovic to serve for the set, which the 10-time champion duly closed out.
The pattern remained unchanged in the second set, with Djokovic breaking clear after 3-2 and wrapping it up 6-2, finishing the set with a finely constructed seven-shot rally that stretched his opponent across the court.
In the third set, Djokovic tightened his grip on the contest, breaking serve in a tense fifth game to move 4-1 ahead. Maestrelli attempted a late fightback, but Djokovic’s precision and consistency proved decisive as he capitalised on the Italian’s errors to complete the victory.
“It happens more often than not these days for me,” Djokovic said after the match about facing unfamiliar opponents. “Nevertheless, the respect is always there and I don’t underestimate anyone.
“He’s got a big serve and he’s still lacking experience on the big stage, but he’s got the game to go far and go high in the rankings, so I wish him that.”
Djokovic will next face Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round as he continues his Melbourne title defence.
