(January 22, 2026) Novak Djokovic earned his 399th match win at a major on Thursday when he defeated Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 during the day session, to reach the third round of the Australian Open. The current world No. 4 and holder of 24 major titles is just one victory away from being the first player ever to reach 400. He next faces Botic Van de Zandschulp for a place in the round of 16.
“When I have more time, then I obviously try to look at my game and different elements that I can really improve. Otherwise, what’s the point?” said the 38-year-old Serb. “That’s the kind of mentality I try to nurture. It’s been allowing to me play at the highest level at this age.” “It did feel like two completely different tournaments playing at night (round one] and day today, particularly with the wind that I think has been blowing this year more than any other year that I’ve been playing here in Australia,” Djokovic noted between playing the day and night sessions. “I have to adjust to that and adapt to a different opponent with a big serve, but overall it’s good. I’m pleased with the way I’m moving and hitting the ball.”
Fourteen Americans have reached the third round of the Australian Open.
On Thursday, Wimbledon and U.S. Open finalist Amanda Anisimova, the fourth seed stopped doubles No. 1 Katerina Siniakova 6-1, 6-4. No.6 seed Jessica Pegula made easy work of her doubles partner McCartney Kessler, 6-0, 6-2.
No. 9 seed and defending champion Madison Keys won five straight games, trailing 2-5 in the second set, to close out American Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 7-5.
“Once I kind of got back momentum, I just tried to sink my teeth into the set,” Keys said of the topsy-turvy second set.
“I think in those tough kind of moments like today, getting down in that second set, just kind of reminding yourself that you have been here before, you figured it out.”
“That was such an amazing experience and nobody can take that away from me,” she said. “Whether or not I do repeat it, I still get to keep Daphne (Akhurst Memorial Cup) at home!”
As for the men, eighth-seeded Ben Shelton reached the third round with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over Dane Sweeny, the Australian qualifier who ended the 39-year-old’s final trip to Melbourne Park in the first round.
No. 9 seed Taylor Fritz beat Vit Kopriva during the night session.
More to follow….
