Novak Djokovic’s hunt for an 11th Australian Open title began on Monday when he defeated Pedro Martinez in straight sets.
Djokovic proved too strong for the Spanish player throughout the contest, eventually securing a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory in front of the Melbourne crowd.
The Serbian star made history with his victory against Martinez, becoming only the second player in the Open Era to record 100 Australian Open Men’s Singles victories.
Djokovic is making his 21st appearance at the Australian Open, equalling Roger Federer’s record total.
Ahead of Djokovic’s opening victory on Monday, American tennis star John McEnroe weighed in on the Serb’s longevity in the game.
Novak Djokovic is the tennis GOAT… Prove us wrong
John McEnroe wants to find out Novak Djokovic’s motivation
During TNT Sports’ coverage on Monday, John McEnroe, Tim Henman and Laura Robson discussed Djokovic’s record-equalling Australian Open campaign.
Robson, a former junior Wimbledon champion, said: “21 Australian Open appearances. John, that kind of longevity, but also the success that’s combined with it, it is almost mindblowing.”
McEnroe replied: “It is mindblowing. We talk about Rafa winning 14 French’s [French Opens] and you’re like ‘that doesn’t seem possible.’ And then you come to Novak, he’s won 10 of these [Australian Opens].
“So you’re like, how does he figure out each off-season? A lot of cases where he hasn’t played, you’re not quite sure where he’s at physically or mentally; he comes down here and he does his thing, and somehow he gets in the head of whoever he’s playing, and he figures it out. It’s amazing.
“A lot of people [say] ‘why are you still going at this point? You haven’t won in a couple years, you’re so used to winning.’
Robson then interjected, asking McEnroe: “But how do you think he finds the motivation?”
McEnroe [pictured below] was left dumbfounded, adding: “I don’t know, that’s what I’d like to know. ‘Why not’ would be the question.
“In my book, he’s three in the world. He’s been in four semis, he beat Alcaraz here last year. He must think he can still win this or I can’t imagine he would play.
“He wouldn’t play unless he thinks he can win a major, which is tougher, because he doesn’t play much.
Tim Henman, the British number one, suggested to McEnroe that Djokovic’s chase for a 25th Grand Slam singles title may be the reason behind Djokovic’s continued motivation.
Djokovic is currently tied with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles titles won in history.
McEnroe responded: “How many people know? [about Margaret Court’s record]. I mean, and that was pre-Open Era [Ed. Margaret Court won Grand Slam singles titles between 1960 and 1973.]”
Novak Djokovic’s potential third-round opponents in Australia
What does Novak Djokovic need to change to win a 25th Grand Slam title?
After defeating Martinez, the Serbian tennis legend will play Francesco Maestrelli, who could be the next Italian tennis star.
Maestrelli, a qualifier, defeated Cincinnati Masters semi-finalist Terence Atmane: 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 6-1, 6-1.
If Djokovic defeats the Italian youngster in round two, he will play Botic van de Zandschulp or Juncheng Shang in the third round.
Van de Zandschulp defeated Brandon Nakashima in round one, while Shang knocked out Spanish player Roberto Bautista Agut.
Perhaps surprisingly, Djokovic does not have a winning record against van de Zandschulp. Djokovic won his first match against the Dutchman at the 2022 Astana Open, winning their round of 16 contest 6-3, 6-1.
Last year, van de Zandschulp stunned Djokovic at the Indian Wells Masters, triumphing 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 against Djokovic.
Djokovic has never played Juncheng Shang in an ATP Tour match.
