Novak Djokovic beats qualifier Maestrelli in Australian Open first round match

Novak Djokovic Advances to Australian Open Third Round

Novak Djokovic, the fourth seed at the Australian Open, defeated Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in a second-round match on Thursday. The win marked Djokovic’s 399th Grand Slam match victory and his 101st in Melbourne.

Djokovic, who is seeking to extend his record at the tournament, faced Maestrelli for the first time. “I didn’t know much about him until a few days ago,” Djokovic said of his opponent. “But I showed respect and did not underestimate him. He has a big serve and a big game, but lacks experience.”

Maestrelli struggled to capitalize on his opportunities, allowing Djokovic to take control of the match. The Serbian player broke in the second game of the first set and again in the opening game of the second set, putting pressure on Maestrelli.

Djokovic secured the set with an unreturned shot from the same flank, bringing him one victory shy of record-holder Roger Federer’s 399th Grand Slam match win. Maestrelli had a brief moment of success in the third set, recovering a break after conceding two, but Djokovic raised his level to close out the match and advance to the third round.

Djokovic will face either Botic van de Zandschulp or Juncheng Shang in the next round.

Source: Al Jazeera