Djokovic eases past qualifier Maestrelli at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic continued his quest to create more history at Rod Laver Arena by beating Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 on Thursday.

Fourth seed Djokovic maintained his steady hold throughout the second-round contest without needing to change top gear. He is aiming for an 11th Melbourne Park title and 25th Grand Slam title overall.

When it comes to his 23-year-old opponent, Djokovic said, “I didn’t know much about him]Maestrelli] until a few days ago, it happens more frequently than not these days.”

“But I never let the respect go away from him,” he continued. He only has a limited amount of experience, but he has a big serve and a big game. I wish him the best of luck as he climbs to the top of the world rankings.

The 38-year-old attacked the opening set after breaking in the second game to put pressure on world number 141 Maestrelli, who struggled to capitalize on his few openings.

Djokovic won his third Grand Slam match of the year and his 101st there, one shy of Roger Federer’s record-holder of three sets with an acrobatic backhand, earning him the set with an unreturned shot from the same loft.

After conceding two in the third set, Maestrelli recovered a break, but Djokovic rose once more to seal the victory and set him up for a meeting with Juncheng Shang or Botic van de Zandschulp.