MELBOURNE (SNP Report): Novak Djokovic turned back the clock with a composed and commanding performance to reach the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday, while reigning champion Jannik Sinner underlined his status as the tournament favourite with another ruthless display at Melbourne Park.
The fourth-seeded Djokovic, chasing a record-extending 11th Australian Open crown and an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, eased past Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. The 38-year-old Serbian legend barely needed to shift out of second gear, controlling proceedings with trademark precision and experience.
The victory marked Djokovic’s 399th Grand Slam win and his 101st at Melbourne Park, leaving him just one shy of Roger Federer’s all-time record at the venue. “I didn’t know much about him until a few days ago, which happens more often now,” Djokovic said, reflecting on his 23-year-old opponent. Djokovic will next face Botic van de Zandschulp.
While Djokovic showcased enduring class, it was Sinner who once again looked imperious. The world number two brushed aside Australian wildcard James Duckworth 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in the Rod Laver Arena night session, firing down 18 aces in a dominant performance. Bidding to become only the second man in the Open Era, after Djokovic, to win three consecutive Australian Open titles, Sinner has now won 12 straight tour-level matches without dropping a set. “I know how much work I’ve put in. The body feels good and the mind is in a great place,” Sinner said. He will meet American Eliot Spizzirri next.
In the women’s draw, defending champion Madison Keys overcame a second-set lapse to defeat fellow American Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 7-5 and book her place in the third round, where she will face Karolina Pliskova. Former champion Naomi Osaka continued her comeback with a hard-fought 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win over Sorana Cirstea, relying on power rather than theatrics this time.
World number one Iga Swiatek looked sharper as she dismissed Marie Bouzkova 6-2, 6-3 to stay on course in her bid to complete a career Grand Slam. Veterans also enjoyed a retro revival as Stan Wawrinka and Marin Cilic rolled back the years with impressive victories, while American Ben Shelton, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, and Jessica Pegula all advanced with commanding wins.
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