Djokovic serves up masterclass in 100th Australian Open win

With a straight-set victory over Pedro Martinez of Spain, Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open for the first time in a serving masterclass.

The world number four, who is competing for a 25th Grand Slam singles title, only managed five points out of 57 on serve in a two-hour display of excellence.

The 38-year-old won 93% of his points behind his first serve while still maintaining a 77% first-serve percentage and produced eight holds to love.

The 10-time champion, who defeated 6-3, 6-2, and 6-2, fittingly sealed the victory with his 14th ace of the night.

On BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, Mark Woodforde, a 17-time Grand Slam doubles champion, praised Djokovic’s portrayal of him as “supreme” and “exceptional,” but he also provided a more understated assessment of his performance.

“Tonight’s performance was fantastic, and I have nothing to complain about.” Djokovic praised his performance.

“It’s always a challenge to start the tournament off right and send the right message to both you and your opponents who are watching.”

After recording a century of victories in Melbourne, Djokovic was given a video of his 2005 main-draw debut during an interview with Roland Garros and at Wimbledon (102).

Djokovic remarked in understandably jovial tone that he would not be complacent with his professional accomplishments until he “put the racquet aside”and is] sipping some nice cocktail on the beach.

Djokovic, who will face Francesco Maestrelli in the second round, continued, “It’s nice to be a centurion.”

Making history is great motivation. I was even more inspired to play the best tennis in the final five or ten years of my career once I established myself in a position where I could eventually create history.

People who helped me play the long shot with my career, avoid getting burned out too quickly, and take good care of my body and mind were fortunate to come into my life early on.

Alex de Minaur, the sixth seed, believes he has the potential to be a serious contender for major accolades and become the first Australian to win the men’s singles title at home since Mark Edmondson in 1976.

The 26-year-old, who has advanced to the quarter-finals of each of the four majors, won over Mackenzie McDonald, a loser, with a dominant 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 victory, but he insisted that he has more to prove.

De Minaur said, “I’ve reached the point where I’m not just another number in the draw.” To be one of the contenders, I’m playing to win it. That is the end goal, in essence. Not being happy with [this performance] is important.

Andrey Rublev, the 13th seed, defeated Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets, while Casper Ruud, the 12th seed, who is three-time Grand Slam champion, lost just seven games to defeat Mattia Bellucci.

Filip Misolic and Aleksandar Kovacevic, respectively, defeated Spanish 14th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and American 19th seed Tommy Paul, respectively.