Novak Djokovic began his hunt for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over unseeded Spaniard Pedro Martinez in the Australian Open first round on Monday, the Serb easing pre-tournament concerns about his fitness with a sparkling display.
Doubts had been raised about Djokovic’s preparedness for the major he has won a record 10 times after the 38-year-old skipped the Adelaide tune-up event and cut short practice on Sunday, but he had no trouble sealing his 100th match win at Melbourne Park.
Win No.100 for the ten timer in Melbourne!
Novak, all class.@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/3fTqCrx9gS
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2026
A potentially tricky start against first-time opponent Martinez turned into a routine workout when Djokovic seized control with a break and never loosened his grip under the bright lights of Rod Laver Arena to take the opening set.
Despite last playing in November when he claimed his 101st career title in Athens, Djokovic barely missed a beat as he let rip a fiery crosscourt winner en route to breaking early and wrapping up the second set.
Imagine being 38 years old and STILL being this athletic 🤯@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • @DjokerNole • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/7c3MoZ0Umf
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2026
While the spotlight has largely swung toward reigning Melbourne champion Jannik Sinner and world number one Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic reminded the duo of his threat with some sublime tennis to power through the third set and prevail.
