SPORT

NOLE GAVE ITALIAN A TENNIS LESSON IN MELBOURNE: Djokovic Reaches Third Round of Australian Open Without Dropping a Set! (VIDEO)

by Serbian Times22. January 2026.22. January 2026.

The greatest tennis player of all time, Novak Djokovic, advanced to the third round of the Australian Open after an impressive 3–0 victory over Francesco Maestrelli (6:3, 6:2, 6:2).

The Serbian star started the match aggressively, making it clear from the outset who would dictate the pace. He opened with a game without losing a single point and, in the next game, capitalized on his opponent’s uncertainty to secure an early break.

Maestrelli appeared tense and nervous, making errors in situations he needed to handle, which Djokovic exploited effortlessly, quickly moving ahead 3–0. Only then did the Italian manage to stabilize his game and claim his first game of the opening set.

The rest of the set saw no major surprises, with both players holding serve, as Djokovic calmly closed out the first set 6:3.

The ultimate compliment 👏

Novak Djokovic couldn't help but applaud this sensational volley from Francesco Maestrelli 😮‍💨@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/iaZMzZfNd7
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2026

Djokovic continued in the same rhythm in the second set, opening perfectly with another break. Although he struggled to consolidate the lead, Maestrelli raised his level and offered slightly stronger resistance.

In the following games, both players held serve steadily until the seventh game, which proved decisive. Djokovic increased the tempo, broke Maestrelli again, and led 5:2. In the next game, with powerful and precise serves, he confirmed the break and wrapped up the second set convincingly.

Djokovic did not ease off in the third set either, quickly securing another break. From the first to the last point, he controlled the court, imposed his rhythm, and made it clear he wanted to finish the match as quickly as possible.

Another AO third round for Nole 👏

He drops just seven games on his way to a straight sets win@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/iPO3g5aUaR
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2026

As the set progressed, Djokovic increased the pressure further, secured another break to lead 4:1. The Italian managed to respond immediately in the next game, but that was as far as he could go. Djokovic then calmly controlled the match, regained the break, maintained the lead, and closed out the victory.

In the third round, Novak Djokovic will face the winner of the match between Botic van de Zandschulp and Juncheng Shang.