Categories: Sports

Australian Open 2026: Novak Djokovic Thumps Francesco Maestrelli To Reach Round 3

Novak Djokovic cruised to a convincing second-round victory Thursday at the Australian Open, where the record 10-time champion downed Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

Published by Somya Kapoor
Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic. (Photo Credits: X)

Novak Djokovic made it through to the third round of the Australian Open where he thumped Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.He moved efficiently as ever and struck the ball cleanly throughout the afternoon.

“It did feel like two completely different tournaments playing at night [round one] and day today, particularly with the wind that I think has been blowing this year more than any other year that I've been playing here in Australia,” Djokovic said of the conditions. “I have to adjust to that and adapt to a different opponent with a big serve, but overall it's good. I'm pleased with the way I'm moving and hitting the ball.”

Djokovic who had earlier notched up his 100th Australian Open win in the first round needed seven set points to clinch the 47-minute opener. Djokovic beat Spain's Pedro Martinez by the same scoreline on Monday.

"I didn't know much about him until a few days ago - it happens more often than not these days," Djokovic said of world number 141 Maestrelli.

"The respect is always there and I didn't underestimate him. He's got a big serve and a big game, only lacking a bit of experience."He's got the game to go far and high in the world rankings and I wish him that."

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Somya Kapoor
Published by Somya Kapoor
Tags: australian openNovak Djokovic
January 22, 2026 4:02 pm