Novak Djokovic continued his progress through the Australian Open by defeating Francesco Maestrelli in the second round.
Djokovic has already hit 100 Australian Open wins at the 2026 event and he is yet to drop a set in Melbourne.
The Serbian faces a tough test against Botic van de Zandschulp next, who knocked Djokovic out of Indians Wells in 2025.
At 39 years of age, Djokovic has explained why he still has enough in the tank for another two years on the ATP Tour.
Novak Djokovic wants to emulate Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils
Djokovic is one of the oldest players on the tour, but he is inspired by some of his contemporaries still playing into their forties.
Both Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils entered the Australian Open main draw, which is set to be their last appearance at the Grand Slam.
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Speaking to ESPN Brazil, the 24-time Grand Slam champion said: “Monfils is one year older than me, Wawrinka two… so I think I have two more years left to play —- at least.”
Monfils was defeated by Australian Dane Sweeny in the first round, while Wawrinka managed a four-set win against Laslo Djere in his opening match.
Wawrinka continued his journey through the tournament with an epic five-set victory against Arthur Gea in the second round.
It’s no wonder the reason why Djokovic is still inspired by the likes of Wawrinka, who continues to impress on the ATP Tour into his forties.
Novak Djokovic continues perfect career record at the Australian Open
Djokovic made light work of Maestrelli, who made it into the main draw with qualifying wins against Dušan Lajović and Thiago Seyboth Wild.
The Serbian is yet to lose to a qualifier or a lucky loser at a Grand Slam in his career, which is a tennis record.
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Djokovic has now won 37 matches against qualifiers or lucky losers without defeat, according to sports statisticians OptaAce.
In 2025, Djokovic was able to continue adding to his record as he was drawn against four qualifiers at Grand Slams.
The tennis icon picked up victories against Zachary Svajda, Jan-Lennard Struff, Filip Misolic, and Jaime Faria across the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open.
