Djokovic Reclaims Melbourne with Century Mark

Novak Djokovic stepped onto the court in Melbourne with the weight of expectation hanging like the summer heat, his racket a familiar extension of resolve. Against Pedro Martinez, he carved out a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory that felt inevitable, each point a reminder of why this hard-court major remains his domain. The 38-year-old Serb moved with the fluidity of his prime, his heavy topspin forehands pinning the Spaniard deep before inside-in backhands snaked to the lines.

From the opening games, Djokovic controlled the baseline exchanges, using crosscourt depth to stretch Martinez wide and force errors on the return. The Spaniard fought back with steady groundstrokes, but the gap in winners—49 to 14—told the story of a masterclass in efficiency. This triumph marked his 100th at Melbourne Park, a number that echoes through the stands and sets the stage for pursuits beyond mere survival.

Feels just like home 🇦🇺@DjokerNole defeats Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the second round for the 19th time.@AustralianOpen | #AO26pic.twitter.com/zEyX7ORiOh

— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 19, 2026

History ignites deeper resolve

Djokovic now stands alone with 100 or more victories at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros, a feat no other player has matched across three majors. That selectivity in dominance fuels his drive, turning statistical landmarks into psychological anchors as he eyes surpassing Roger Federer’s 102 wins here. At an age when others fade, he channels these markers into sharper focus, his game adapting to the Plexicushion’s medium pace with varied spin to keep opponents guessing.

The crowd’s energy built with each set, their applause a rhythmic pulse that mirrored his unerring footwork. This milestone arrives in a season where every tournament carries amplified stakes, his former No. 1 status in the PIF ATP Rankings a distant echo now propelling a quest for records. Advancing to the second round for the 19th straight time, he prepares for the next layer of the draw, where history’s pull meets the grind of the present.

Baseline command quiets fitness echoes

Questions about his form lingered from last year’s push to the semifinals at the US Open in New York, yet Djokovic dismissed them with crisp movement and precise returns. In his first match since the Athens title last November, he dictated from the backline, his 1–2 patterns—serve deep into the body followed by a topspin forehand—disrupting Martinez‘s rhythm on the hardcourt bounce. Slice backhands skimmed low, forcing the Spaniard into awkward stretches, while down-the-line passes in the second set broke open the contest decisively.

This display, sharp and mobile, rebuts any narrative of decline, his overheads punishing lobs with authority. The Australian Open‘s conditions, warmer and truer than recent editions, suit his tactical layering, where underspin transitions into flat winners keep the pressure unrelenting. As he builds toward an 11th crown, this opener primes him for the intensity ahead, his longevity a quiet weapon in a field of rising powers.

Draw unfolds with rising tensions

Next awaits 23-year-old Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli, who grinded past Terence Atmane 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-1 for his first major main-draw win. The debutant’s resilience will test Djokovic’s return game, but the veteran’s experience on these courts suggests a swift progression. Looming larger is a potential semifinal against two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner, a clash where mental edges could decide the fortnight’s direction.

Elsewhere, Casper Ruud secured his 50th major victory, overwhelming Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 with deep crosscourt groundstrokes that thrived on Margaret Court Arena’s vibe. The 12th seed, balancing fatherhood with his wife’s pregnancy, faces Jaume Munar next, the Spaniard having outlasted Dalibor Svrcina 3-6, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-3 in a five-set battle. “It was a perfect start to this tournament and this court is probably one of my favourites in the world,” Ruud said of the arena. “It’s a really good atmosphere and a great way to kick off. I’m excited to be back here in a couple of days. I have to thank Maria for letting me [come] in the first place. I know she’s back home resting, getting ready.”

As the Australian Open 2026 heats up on January 19, 2026, these early statements hint at a tournament defined by poise under pressure. Djokovic’s century win sets a tone of calculated ambition, pulling the field into his orbit where legacy and tactics collide. With the draw tightening, Melbourne’s sun will illuminate who harnesses that momentum best.