Novak Djokovic, the record 10-time Australian Open champion, achieved his 100th career victory at the hard-court major by defeating Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in Melbourne. Djokovic, aiming to surpass Roger Federer’s 102 match wins record at the tournament, displayed exceptional form with 17 winners and only six unforced errors.
In a dominant night session at Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic showcased vintage play, setting the stage for a potential 25th grand slam title. Reflecting on his milestone, Djokovic expressed satisfaction with his performance and his continuous pursuit of excellence on the court. The Serbian player will face Francesco Maestrelli in the second round.
Australia’s hope, Alex de Minaur, also secured a victory, fueled by the support of the home crowd at Rod Laver Arena. De Minaur emphasized the importance of self-belief and progression as he looks to advance further in the tournament. Other players like Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev progressed, while Felix Auger-Aliassime faced an early exit due to cramp.
In the women’s draw, Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue displayed resilience against Swiatek, who ultimately triumphed 7-6 (5), 6-3. Swiatek, the second seed, aims to clinch an Australian Open title to complete her major trophies collection. Notable performances also came from Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, and Shang Juncheng, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
