Melbourne

Novak Djokovic moved a step closer to yet another historic milestone at the Australian Open on Thursday, cruising into the third round with a commanding 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli.

The win marked Djokovic’s 399th career singles victory at Grand Slam tournaments, placing the 24-time major champion just one win shy of becoming the first player in tennis history to reach 400 Grand Slam match victories. The Serbian star, who is bidding for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title, has now advanced beyond the second round in Melbourne for the 17th consecutive year.

Djokovic was briefly tested midway through the third set when he dropped his serve for the first time in the tournament. The lapse came in the sixth game, as he followed a second serve to the net but missed an attempted volley, handing Maestrelli a rare opening. The moment, however, appeared to serve more as a wake-up call than a turning point.

Known for his meticulous standards, the 38-year-old immediately responded by breaking back at love in the very next game. He then closed out the contest emphatically, holding serve without conceding a point and sealing the match in just under two hours. Maestrelli, ranked 141st in the world and playing his first Grand Slam main-draw match after navigating the qualifying rounds, struggled to keep pace once Djokovic found his rhythm.

“I didn’t know much about him until yesterday,” Djokovic said afterward, referring to the 23-year-old Italian. “But I never underestimate anyone. He has a big serve and a powerful game. What he’s missing is experience at this level, but the tools are there for him to go far.”

Djokovic’s precision and court coverage were on full display throughout the match, as he consistently absorbed Maestrelli’s power and redirected it with depth and accuracy. The Serbian converted five of his eight break-point chances and committed very few unforced errors, underlining his sharp form as the tournament enters its more demanding stages.

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Up next, Djokovic will face Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round after the Dutch player defeated China’s Shang Juncheng 7-6 (6), 6-2, 6-3. Djokovic holds a winning record against Van de Zandschulp and will enter the match as a heavy favourite as he continues his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title, which would further extend his record as the most decorated player in men’s tennis history.