Novak Djokovic Stands on the Cusp of Unprecedented Grand Slam Milestone
Novak Djokovic has positioned himself tantalisingly close to achieving a monumental career landmark, needing just one more victory to become the first player in tennis history to secure 400 Grand Slam singles match wins. The Serbian superstar delivered a masterclass performance at the Australian Open on Thursday, dispatching Italy's Francesco Maestrelli with a commanding 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory to advance to the third round.
Dominant Display Pushes Djokovic to 399 Wins
This comprehensive triumph marked Djokovic's 399th Grand Slam singles victory, placing him on the very brink of that extraordinary 400-win threshold. The 38-year-old, who is pursuing an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title and a record-extending 25th major championship overall, demonstrated why he remains the player to beat at Melbourne Park.
Despite his overwhelming dominance, Djokovic experienced a rare moment of vulnerability during the sixth game of the third set, dropping a service game for the first time in this year's tournament. This lapse occurred when the perfectionist Serb followed a second serve to the net but missed a volley. Characteristically, he responded immediately, breaking Maestrelli at love in the very next game to establish a decisive 5-2 lead.
Djokovic's Philosophy of Continuous Improvement
Reflecting on his sustained excellence at an age when most players have long retired, Djokovic revealed the mindset that fuels his continued success. "When I have more time, then I obviously try to look at my game and different elements that I can really improve. Otherwise, what's the point?" he stated. "That's the kind of mentality I try to nurture. It's been allowing me to play at the highest level at this age."
Djokovic's next challenge comes in the form of Dutch player Botic Van de Zandschulp, who earned his third-round berth by defeating China's Shang Juncheng 7-6 (6), 6-2, 6-3.
Swiatek Draws Inspiration from Djokovic's Longevity
On John Cain Arena, world number two Iga Świątek secured her own progression with a 6-2, 6-3 victory against Marie Bouzkova. The six-time major winner, who is aiming to complete a career Grand Slam in Australia, expressed admiration for Djokovic's enduring career. "It's good to look at people like that and find inspiration," said Świątek. "For sure I've got to learn to appreciate every single match."
Defending Champion Keys Demonstrates Resilience
Defending champion Madison Keys showcased considerable mental fortitude during her second-round encounter, recovering from a double break deficit in the second set to defeat fellow American Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 7-5. Keys acknowledged the heightened emotions that accompany defending a major title. "Once I kind of got back momentum I just tried to sink my teeth into the set," she explained. "I think in those tough kind of moments like today, getting down in that second set, just kind of reminding yourself that you have been here before, you figured it out."
The American reflected fondly on her 2025 triumph, which secured her the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. "That was such an amazing experience and nobody can take that away from me. Whether or not I do repeat it, I still get to keep Daphne at home!" Keys will next face former world number one Karolina Plíšková, who overcame Janice Tjen 6-4, 6-4.
Other Notable Results and Tributes
Elsewhere in the women's draw, several seeded players advanced comfortably:
- Fourth seed Amanda Anisimova progressed with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Katerina Siniakova and will face Peyton Stearns.
- Sixth seed Jessica Pegula defeated her doubles partner McCartney Kessler 6-0, 6-2, setting up a clash with Oksana Selekhmeteva, who upset 2025 semifinalist Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-4.
In the men's competition, eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton, a semi-finalist last year, continued his strong form with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny.
Before the evening session commenced, spectators observed a poignant moment of silence to honour the 15 victims of last month's Bondi Beach terror attack, coinciding with Australia's designated "National Day of Mourning." Signs across Rod Laver and Margaret Court Arena displayed the heartfelt message: "Light Will Win."
The night session promised further excitement with Italian star Jannik Sinner scheduled to face local wild-card entry James Duckworth on Rod Laver Arena, while two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka was set to take on Sorana Cirstea on Margaret Court Arena.
