Novak Djokovic is expected to comfortably reach the third round of the Australian Open this year, facing an opponent in Francesco Maestrelli who is not on his level.
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Novak Djokovic had a smooth start at the 2026 Australian Open with an easy victory over Pedro Martinez, a player who mainly competes on clay courts. This also marked Djokovic’s 100th win at the first Grand Slam of the year, reinforcing his special status at the "Happy Slam".
Nole’s goal is nothing less than winning his 11th title at Melbourne Park, which would be his 25th Grand Slam overall, allowing him to officially surpass the record jointly held by him and the legendary Margaret Court. Up next, the Serbian player will face a relatively easier opponent in round 2, a good chance to conserve energy for the tougher matches ahead.
Francesco Maestrelli, born in 2001, currently ranked 141, has never been inside the top 130 in his career. The 2026 Australian Open is his first appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam. The Italian mainly competes in ATP Challenger events and has won 4 titles at that level—3 of which were on clay courts.
Due to his low ranking, Maestrelli had to qualify for this year’s Australian Open, where he caused surprises by defeating Lorenzo Giustino and notably Thiago Seyboth Wild and Dusan Lajovic to reach the main draw. There, he impressively beat Terence Atmance in a thrilling five-set match to set up a second-round encounter with Djokovic.
This will be the first time Novak Djokovic faces Francesco Maestrelli in his career.
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