Novak Djokovic dropped a service game for the first time in this Australian Open and then didn’t lose another point against Francesco Maestrelli, advancing to the third round with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win Thursday.
It was Djokovic’s 399th win in a Grand Slam singles match. The 24-time major winner will be the first player to reach 400 with his next victory.
The break of serve, in the sixth game of the third set, was almost like a rehearsal for later matches. Djokovic followed a second serve to the net but missed the volley.
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It stung the 38-year-old Djokovic, a noted perfectionist. He broke Maestrelli at love in the next game to take a 5-2 lead, smacking the last ball into the net after the Italian, ranked No. 141, hit a groundstroke long.
“I didn’t know much about him until yesterday,” Djokovic said of the 23-year-old Maestrelli, who went through qualifying to make his debut in a Grand Slam main draw. “Nevertheless, respect is always there. I don’t underestimate anyone.
“He’s got a big serve. He’s got a big game. He’s lacking experience on the big stage, but he’s got the game to go high.”
Djokovic held at love in an eight-point roll to finish things off. He is in Australia seeking an 11th title at Melbourne Park and a 25th major overall, which would make him the most decorated tennis player of all time and the oldest man in the Open era to win a major singles championship.
He said he took extra time out in the offseason and fine-tuned some skills as he chases the bigger goals.
“When I have more time, then I obviously try to look at my game and different elements that I can really improve. Otherwise, what’s the point?” he said. “That’s the kind of mentality I try to nurture. It’s been allowing to me play at the highest level at this age.”
In the third round, Djokovic will meet Botic Van De Zandschulp, who beat Shang Juncheng 7-6 (6), 6-2, 6-3.
Jannik Sinner continued his bid for a third straight Australian title by defeating local wild-card entry James Duckworth 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in the first night match on Rod Laver Arena.
Eighth-seeded Ben Shelton, a semifinalist last year, reached the third round with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over Dane Sweeny, the Australian qualifier who ended Gael Monfils’ farewell trip to Melbourne Park in the first round.
Fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti beat fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
