Novak Djokovic has once again etched his name deeper into tennis history, celebrating his 100th career victory at the Australian Open with a commanding straight-sets win over Spain’s Pedro Martinez in Melbourne.
The 38-year-old Serbian star delivered a near-flawless performance, defeating Martinez 6–3, 6–2, 6–2 in just under two hours. Ranked world number four, Djokovic produced one of his most efficient serving displays in recent years, reinforcing his status as the most successful player in the tournament’s history.
Djokovic dropped only five points on serve throughout the entire match, winning an extraordinary 93 percent of points behind his first serve while maintaining a strong 77 percent first-serve accuracy. He held serve eight times without losing a single point and conceded just one service point in each of the second and third sets. The match was sealed with his 14th ace of the night, a fitting end to a milestone victory.
The win marked Djokovic’s 100th triumph at the Australian Open, further strengthening his dominance at Melbourne Park, where he is already a 10-time champion. The achievement places him among a rare group of players to reach triple figures at a single Grand Slam event.
Former Australian tennis star and 17-time Grand Slam doubles champion Mark Woodforde praised the Serbian’s serving performance, describing it as “supreme” and “exceptional.” Djokovic, however, remained characteristically modest in his post-match assessment.
“Tonight’s performance was great. I can’t complain about anything,” he said. “I served very well.”
During the on-court interview, Djokovic was shown video highlights from his first Australian Open main-draw appearance in 2005, offering a reminder of the remarkable longevity of his career. Reflecting on the milestone, he admitted the moment was special but insisted he prefers to remain focused on the present.
“I won’t get caught up in my career until I’ve put the racquet aside and I’m sipping some nice cocktail on the beach,” he told the crowd, drawing laughter and applause.
The Australian Open has long been Djokovic’s most successful hunting ground. In addition to his 100 wins in Melbourne, he has recorded 102 career victories at Wimbledon and 101 at Roland Garros, underlining his consistency and dominance across all surfaces.
Despite his age, Djokovic continues to defy expectations in a sport that increasingly favors younger athletes. His physical conditioning, mental strength, and tactical intelligence remain among the best on the ATP Tour, allowing him to compete at the highest level nearly two decades after his professional breakthrough.
Looking ahead, the Serbian legend is set to face Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in the second round. While Djokovic will enter the contest as overwhelming favourite, he made it clear that every victory at this stage of his career carries special meaning.
“It’s a nice feeling to be a centurion. History-making is great motivation,” he said. “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 to take care of my body and my mind.”
He added that maintaining balance has been key to his longevity. “I’m blessed to still be playing at this level. Another win here is a dream come true.”
Djokovic arrived in Melbourne with his sights firmly set on a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would see him move clear of all rivals in tennis history. His opening-round performance sent a powerful message to the rest of the field that he remains a major contender.
Throughout the match against Martinez, Djokovic controlled play from the baseline, neutralised his opponent’s movement, and dictated points with precision. His return game was equally impressive, consistently putting pressure on the Spaniard’s serve and converting key break points with ruthless efficiency.
Fans at Rod Laver Arena witnessed a reminder of why Djokovic is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the sport has ever produced. His ability to elevate his game on the biggest stages continues to set him apart.
As the tournament progresses, expectations will only grow. Yet Djokovic has repeatedly shown that pressure fuels rather than weakens him. His calm demeanour, combined with unmatched experience, makes him one of the toughest opponents to face in Grand Slam tennis.
With history once again within reach, his performance in the opening round has reinforced belief among supporters that another Melbourne triumph is well within his grasp.
For now, the Serbian icon will take confidence from a milestone night that blended excellence, experience, and efficiency — a reminder that even after 100 Australian Open victories, Novak Djokovic is far from finished.
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