“I didn’t know much about him until a few days ago – it happens more often than not these days,” Djokovic said of world number 141 Maestrelli.
“The respect is always there and I didn’t underestimate him. He’s got a big serve and a big game, only lacking a bit of experience.
“He’s got the game to go far and high in the world rankings and I wish him that.”
Djokovic has never lost a Grand Slam match to a qualifier or a lucky loser, and his 37-0 record against them is the best of any man in the Open era.
While his serve was not quite as potent as in the first round, Djokovic still won 86% of points behind his first serve, as well as saving four of the five break points he faced.
Victory over Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round on Saturday would be his 400th Grand Slam singles win. No other player has achieved that feat.
Djokovic cannot meet world number one Carlos Alcaraz before the final, but he could face two-time defending champion and second seed Jannik Sinner in the semis.
