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Tumaini Carayol was courtside for Djokovic’s round one exhibition.
Djokovic seems to create history every time he steps on to a tennis court these days, and this occasion was no different.…
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Tumaini Carayol was courtside for Djokovic’s round one exhibition.
Djokovic seems to create history every time he steps on to a tennis court these days, and this occasion was no different. By simply lining up to the baseline against Martínez, Djokovic tied Roger Federer’s record of most main-draw appearances at the Australian Open (21), a tournament he has won a record 10 times, and Federer’s and Feliciano López’s record of most grand slam appearances (81).
Ok, now it’s time to focus our attention on Novak Djokovic. He’s finishing his stretching and warm-ups backstage, resplendent in vivid green Lacoste. The outsider Francesco Maestrelli is pacing around, doing his best not to show the nerves that will clearly be coursing through his body. The 23 year old is bedecked in a Wimbledon-worthy white Diadora outfit.
Yesterday, Carlos Alcaraz continued his quest to complete a career grand slam at the age of 22.
And Alex de Minaur showed plenty of grit to keep home hopes alive.
Paula Badosa, the Spanish 25th seed is out, beaten in straight sets by Oksana Selekhmeteva. The Russian’s reward is a third round date with sixth seed Jessica Pegula.
15th seed Karen Khachanov dropped just eight games as he strolled past Nishesh Basavareddy. The Russian is scheduled to face Jannik Sinner in round four.
It’s chilly at Melbourne Park
There is nowhere quite like Melbourne for changeable weather. It’s going to be 40C on Saturday, and 43C is forecast for Tuesday, but today the top will be just 20, with a stiff southerly breeze making it feel a few degrees cooler. This has worked out well for Djokovic who will avoid an energy sapping afternoon of fierce heat on what is a rare daytime start.
Jessica Pegula enjoyed the cooler conditions at Melbourne Park. Photograph: Edgar Su/Reuters
It’s been a busy start to the day for Americans in the women’s singles.
Ninth seed and defending champion Madison Keys is through to the third round after a straight sets victory over compatriot Ashlyn Krueger.
Also into the third round is sixth seed Jessica Pegula. She dropped just two games crushing countrywoman McCartney Kessler.
Fourth seed Amanda Anisimova is on Margaret Court Arena shortly against Katerina Siniakova.
Defending champion Madison Keys is through to the third round. Photograph: Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP
Preamble
Jonathan Howcroft
Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of Francesco Maestrelli v Novak Djokovic in the second round of the men’s singles at the Australian Open. The first serve on Rod Laver Arena will not be before 1:30pm local time.
Aged 38 years and eight months the most successful player in the history of men’s tennis continues to defy expectations. Entering his 21st Australian Open Djokovic waltzed through his opening round with the élan of athlete for whom age exists in the minds of commentators, but not in his own rubbery ankles and lithe torso.
As he destroyed Pedro Martínez for his 100th win at Melbourne Park all the trademarks were on full display: the baseline shuttle runs at a speed that makes the television viewer wonder if a frame has dropped as he arrives in position to keep every rally alive, the metronomic serving, his unique blend of calmness and intensity, like an apex predator enjoying an hors d’oeuvre.
The Serbian has a record 24 grand slam titles, but he hasn’t added to his collection since September 2023. Since that time Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have asserted a duopoly at the top of men’s tennis. Conventional wisdom follows that if Djokovic is to sneak a 25th major, and inch ahead of Margaret Court on the all-time standings, his best opportunity is right here, right now, at the tournament he was won a record ten times.
His passage to the semi-finals is favourable, but seeded outside the top two as he balances a reduced schedule, he will likely to have to dethrone both young usurpers if he is to ascend into sporting immortality. Should he do so, he will surely have no more worlds left to conquer.
23 year old qualifier Francesco Maestrelli is playing just his second main draw match at a slam. His first was a five-set epic in the opening round against Térence Atmane. Even in inevitable crushing defeat, this will be a huge occasion to savour for the Italian.
More from Melbourne Park shortly, but if you want to get in touch while the blog is live you can contact me on email at jonathan.howcroft.casual@theguardian.com.
Novak Djokovic continues his quest for an 11th Australian Open. Photograph: Tingshu Wang/Reuters