Novak Djokovic has launched his 2026 Australian Open campaign with a commanding victory, simultaneously notching a historic century of wins at Melbourne Park and reigniting his quest to become the oldest men's Grand Slam champion in tennis history.
A Masterclass in Melbourne
The opening point of his first-round match was a statement in itself. In a 17-stroke rally against Spain's Pedro Martínez, the 38-year-old Serb showcased his undiminished skill, sealing it with a forehand winner that drew a chuckle of satisfaction. This set the tone for a straightforward 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 triumph under the Rod Laver Arena lights, marking his 100th career victory at the Australian Open.
This latest milestone adds to a staggering career resume. Djokovic has now also achieved 100-match hauls at both Wimbledon and Roland Garros. By simply taking to the court, he equalled two more records: Roger Federer's mark of 21 main draw appearances in Melbourne, and the shared record of 81 Grand Slam main draw appearances held by Federer and Feliciano López.
The Pursuit of Ageless History
At 38, Djokovic's primary goal is clear: to surpass all previous benchmarks and become the oldest man ever to win a major singles title. Last season, though consistently brilliant, highlighted the challenge. He reached the semi-finals of all four Slams but fell at that final hurdle each time, retiring in Melbourne before being defeated by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz later in the year.
His performance against Martínez, the world No. 71, was a potent reminder of his enduring capabilities. His serve was precise, his forehand destructive, and most remarkably, his movement and anticipation remain astounding. He continues to shrink the court for opponents, reading the game several steps ahead.
A Beloved Statesman and a Veteran's Day
The narrative surrounding Djokovic has evolved. Once viewed by some as the disruptor of the Federer-Nadal duopoly, he is now the tour's revered elder statesman. The Melbourne crowd, which has been a mixed forum for him in the past, was united in its support, offering adulation that culminated in a seven-minute on-court interview.
"I was very fortunate early on in my career to encounter some people that taught me and guided me to play the long shot in my career," Djokovic reflected, "not to burn out too quickly, take care of my body, of my mind and try to have as long a career as possible." His focus is now solely on extracting every last drop from his remaining time in the sport, a commitment underscored by his recent decision to step away from the off-court administrative battles of the PTPA.
Monday was a celebration of veteran prowess. Earlier, Stan Wawrinka, aged 40, battled to a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Laslo Djere, becoming the second-oldest man to win a singles match at the Australian Open. The three-time major winner, who will retire at season's end, acknowledged the inevitable decline but savoured the victory. "I know I'm not as good as I was before... But I'm still happy with what I'm doing," Wawrinka said.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Djokovic to see if his legendary fitness and skill can carry him where no man his age has gone before, transforming last year's semi-final heartbreaks into a record-breaking triumph.
