Novak Djokovic delivered a serving exhibition of the highest order as he recorded his 100th career victory at the Australian Open with a straight-sets win over Spain’s Pedro Martinez.
The world number four, bidding for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title, dropped just five points on serve across a two-hour display of remarkable precision, power and control.
The 38-year-old produced eight holds to love, lost only one point on serve in each of the second and third sets, and won an outstanding 93% of points behind his first serve while maintaining a first-serve percentage of 77%.
Fittingly, the 10-time Australian Open champion sealed the milestone victory with his 14th ace of the night, triumphing 6-3 6-2 6-2.
‘Supreme’ Serving Display
Former Australian doubles great Mark Woodforde, a 17-time Grand Slam champion, described Djokovic’s serving as “supreme” and “exceptional” on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra. Djokovic himself offered a more restrained assessment.
“Tonight’s performance was great. I can’t complain about anything. I served very well,” Djokovic said.
“It’s always a challenge to kick-start the tournament on the right note and send the right signal not only to yourself but your opponents watching you play.”
Djokovic added that he would use the upcoming days without a match to recover physically.
“I have a couple of days without a match to recover my body. I’m using every hour to get in shape for the next challenge.”
A Century of Melbourne Wins
After reaching 100 wins in Melbourne, a feat he has also achieved at Wimbledon with 102 victories and Roland Garros with 101, Djokovic was shown video highlights from his 2005 Australian Open main-draw debut during his on-court interview.
Despite the moment of reflection, Djokovic insisted he remains focused on the present rather than his legacy.
“I will not get caught up in my career achievements until I have put the racquet aside and I am sipping some nice cocktail on the beach,” he said.
“It’s a nice feeling to be a centurion. History-making is great motivation.”
Djokovic credited the longevity of his career to the guidance he received early on.
“I was fortunate early in my career to encounter people who guided me to play the long shot with my career, not to burn out too quickly, and take care of my body and my mind.
“I’m blessed to be playing at this level and another win is a dream come true.”
Djokovic will face Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in the second round.
De Minaur Targets Major Breakthrough
Sixth seed Alex de Minaur believes he is ready to become a genuine contender for major honours after opening his Australian Open campaign with a commanding 6-2 6-2 6-2 win over lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald.
The 26-year-old has reached the quarter-finals at all four Grand Slams and is aiming to become the first Australian man to win the singles title at his home major since Mark Edmondson in 1976.
“I’ve got to the stage where I’m not just another number in the draw,” De Minaur said.
“I’m playing to win it, to be one of the guys in contention. Ultimately, that’s the goal.”
Other Results
Thirteenth seed Andrey Rublev defeated Italian Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets, while 12th seed Casper Ruud lost just seven games in his win over Mattia Bellucci.
Spanish 14th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and American 19th seed Tommy Paul both progressed comfortably against Filip Misolic and Aleksandar Kovacevic respectively.
There was, however, an early upset as Czech 17th seed Jiri Lehecka was beaten in straight sets by French qualifier Arthur Gea. Gea will face former champion Stan Wawrinka, now 40, in the second round.