Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open preparation is well underway with an exhibition match against Frances Tiafoe in Melbourne.
Djokovic won 6-3, 6-4 against the American to bounce back from a worrying practice session withdrawal with Daniil Medvedev.
The Serbian has not won a Grand Slam since the US Open in 2023, with Djokovic’s chances at the Australian Open under scrutiny.
Ahead of his match with Tiafoe, Djokovic shared his thoughts on the tournament that has all tennis fans talking: the Australian Open’s One-Point Slam.
Novak Djokovic calls the Australian Open One-Point Slam ‘amazing’
Djokovic conducted an on-court interview before his match with Tiafoe, and he was asked about Jordan Smith’s iconic victory against the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Coco Gauff.
Smith, an amateur player, defeated English-born Joanna Garland in the final, which earned him the $1 million prize.
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Djokovic was impressed by the Australian Open’s brand-new concept and loved seeing Smith take home the trophy.
He said: “I saw the guys court side enjoying themselves and what an amazing evening for Jordan Smith! Amazing.”
Djokovic’s preparations will continue across the week, before the Australian Open main draw begins on 18 January.
Novak Djokovic finds out his first round Australian Open opponent
The first round draw for the Australian Open has now been made and Djokovic will face Spaniard Pedro Martinez.
Martinez, at 28-years-old, is becoming a veteran on the ATP Tour, and he has often shone for Spain in the Davis Cup.
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The pair are yet to meet in a match, but the Spanish star is a former top 40 player so he will provide a difficult test for Djokovic.
Martinez currently sits at world number 71 in the ATP Tour rankings after notching up a 16-27 win-loss record in 2025.
The star is yet to play an ATP Tour-level match in 2026, but he did reach the final of the Bengaluru Challenger in India.
