Novak Djokovic’s 399th Grand Slam match win over Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli propelled him into the Australian Open third round.
Fourth seed Djokovic, who is seeking a record-extending 11th Melbourne Park title and 25th Grand Slam trophy overall, systematically dismantled Maestrelli 6-3 6-2 6-2 to continue his quest to make more history on Rod Laver Arena.
The 38-year-old maintained his steady grip on the second-round clash without needing to shift into top gear and has now dropped only 14 games in two matches.
“I didn’t know much about him (Maestrelli) until a few days ago, it happens more often than not these days,” Djokovic said about his 23-year-old opponent.
“But the respect is always there and I didn’t underestimate him. He’s got a big serve and a big game, only lacking a bit of experience. He’s got the game to go far and high in the world rankings and I wish him that.”
He has never lost a match at a major to a player ranked as low as world No 141 Maestrelli, who was making his Grand Slam debut, and Djokovic was in control from the start of the contest.
Djokovic raced through the opening set on the back of a break in the second game and pounced again in the opening game of the next set to heap pressure on Maestrelli, who struggled to capitalise on his few openings.
The Serb brought up set point with an acrobatic backhand and secured the set with an unreturned shot from the same flank to close in on his 101st victory in Melbourne, leaving him one shy of record-holder Roger Federer.
Maestrelli had a rare moment of joy in the third set as he recovered a break after conceding two, but Djokovic raised his level again to close out the victory.
