Novak Djokovic celebrates 100th Australian Open win as title quest begins | ATP tour | Tennis

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Djokovic celebrates his 100th Australian Open victory as the title fight begins

Serbian, chasing 11th title, sets R2 meeting with qualifier Maestrelli
January 19, 2026

Novak Djokovic marked a triumphant return to his most successful event at the Australian Open on Monday, adding another historic milestone at the hard-court major.

The former PIF ATP Rankings No. 1 produced a near-flawless performance to beat Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to seal his 100th career win at Melbourne Park. Record 10-time Australian Open champion Djokovic will now set his sights on surpassing Roger Federer’s record of 102 match wins at the tournament.

Feels just like home 🇦🇺@DjokerNole beats Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the second round for the 19th time.@AustraliaOpen | #AO26pic.twitter.com/zEyX7ORiOh

— ATP tour (@atptour) January 19, 2026

“What can I say? I like the sound of it… Centurion is quite nice,” Djokovic said. “It’s nice to be a centurion with these numbers. Making history is a great motivation, especially in the last five to ten years of my career. Once I found myself in the position of making history, I was even more inspired to play the best tennis.”

“I was very fortunate to meet people early on who taught and guided me to play my career for the long haul: not to burn out too quickly and try to have as long a career as possible. I am blessed to still be playing at this level.”

Djokovic has now reached 100 or more wins at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and Roland Garros, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, and is the only player to achieve the feat at three different major tournaments.

Djokovic’s record at Grand Slam tournaments (before AO R2)

As he advances to the second round in his 19th consecutive Australian Open appearance, Djokovic will next face 23-year-old Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli. The debutant fought past Terence Atmane 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-1 to earn his first main draw victory at a major.

Amid persistent questions about his fitness, especially during last year’s run to the semifinals in New York, Djokovic looked extremely sharp and mobile. In his first Lexus ATP Head2Head clash with Martinez – and first match since winning the Athens title in November – Djokovic controlled play from the baseline and hit more than three times as many winners as the Spaniard (49-14).

The 38-year-old Serbian reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams last season, and his pursuit of an 11th crown in Melbourne could hinge on a possible semi-final showdown with two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner.

Casper Ruud also advanced safely to the second round by beating Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 for his 50th major win. The 27-year-old, who is expecting a daughter with his wife Maria, will next meet Jaume Munar after the Spaniard battled past Dalibor Svrcina 3-6, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-3.

“It was a perfect start to this tournament and this course is probably one of my favorites in the world,” said twelfth-place Ruud about the Margaret Court Arena. “It’s a very good atmosphere and a great way to start. I’m happy to be back here in a few days. I have to thank Maria for giving me the opportunity [come] in the first place. I know she’s back home resting and getting ready.”