Australian Open 2026: Stan Wawrinka wins epic to join Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic in third round
While Wawrinka has spent just shy of eight hours on court across his opening two matches, fourth seed Djokovic has taken a more direct route as he aims to conserve energy in his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
The Serb only dropped seven games in a 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory over Italian qualifier Maestrelli and this is the first time he has not dropped a set in the first two rounds at Melbourne Park since 2023.
“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.”
Croatia’s Cilic was similarly brisk against Canadian Shapovalov, winning 6-4 6-3 6-2 in just over two hours.
Reflecting on the continued success of veteran players, Cilic said: “We are all aware that sports are moving forward, there is more science in everything.
“Everyone is individual but, overall, I feel we are in such a great time where guys can still play – at 35, 36, 37 – great tennis.
“With Novak, he’s taking care of his body so well. I believe these younger generations are here to learn from these experiences.”
Cilic will face 12th seed Casper Ruud in round three, while Djokovic will take on 30-year-old Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.
