Novak Djokovic once again reminded the tennis world why Melbourne feels like home, delivering a serving masterclass to secure his 100th career victory at the Australian Open. The 10-time champion brushed aside Spain’s Pedro Martinez in emphatic fashion, winning 6-3 6-2 6-2 and sending an early warning to the rest of the field.
The world number four, chasing a historic standalone 25th Grand Slam singles title, produced one of the most efficient serving performances ever seen on Rod Laver Arena. Across two hours of near-flawless execution, Djokovic dropped just five points on serve out of 57—a staggering statistic at the elite level.
At 38 years old, Djokovic showcased experience, precision, and composure. He recorded eight holds to love, lost only one service point in each of the second and third sets, and won an astonishing 93% of points behind his first serve. Even more impressive, he maintained a first-serve percentage of 77% throughout the match.
Fittingly, the milestone victory was sealed with his 14th ace of the night—an exclamation point on a performance defined by control and ruthlessness.
Former Australian doubles great Mark Woodforde described Djokovic’s serving as “supreme” and “exceptional,” but the Serb himself offered a more measured response.
“Tonight’s performance was great, I can’t complain about anything. I served very well,” Djokovic said, emphasizing the importance of starting a Grand Slam with authority.
The victory places Djokovic in exclusive territory. He now boasts 100 wins at the Australian Open, adding to his century marks at Wimbledon (102) and Roland Garros (101). During his post-match interview, fans were treated to highlights from his 2005 Melbourne debut—a reminder of just how long his dominance has endured.
Despite the milestone, Djokovic brushed aside nostalgia, insisting he’ll only reflect on his career when it’s all over.
“It’s a nice feeling to be a centurion,” he said. “History-making is great motivation. Once I knew I could create history, I was even more inspired to play my best tennis.”
Djokovic also credited early career guidance for helping him avoid burnout and maintain both physical and mental sharpness—key factors in his continued excellence deep into his thirties.
Up next, the Serbian great faces Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in round two.
Elsewhere in the men’s draw, sixth seed Alex de Minaur made an emphatic statement of intent with a dominant 6-2 6-2 6-2 victory over Mackenzie McDonald. The Australian insists he’s no longer content with merely competing.
“I’m not just another number in the draw,” De Minaur said. “I’m playing to win it.”
The 26-year-old is aiming to become the first Australian men’s singles champion at the Australian Open since Mark Edmondson in 1976.
Andrey Rublev (13th seed) and Casper Ruud (12th seed) both advanced comfortably, while Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Tommy Paul also progressed without trouble.
However, the tournament witnessed an early upset as Czech 17th seed Jiri Lehecka exited in straight sets against French qualifier Arthur Gea. Gea now faces former champion Stan Wawrinka in what promises to be a blockbuster second-round clash.
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