Novak Djokovic cruises past Maestrelli to seal 101st Australian Open win

Novak Djokovic is into the third round of the Australian Open with the record 10-time champion downing Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

Djokovic moved efficiently during the tie striking the ball cleanly throughout in what was a good sign for Djokovic who in the past perhaps has struggled with the early rounds and the fatigue setting in amid no real match practice around that time.

Djokovic has often not played any warm-ups for tournaments and has often struggled during the rounds but while it hasn't set in yet, he can take some real positives from his first two games. He claimed his 100th win at the Australian Open in the opening round needing seven set points to clinch the 47 minute opener.

But this was merely an issue on his end in regards to finishing it off as he rarely relinquished any semblance of control during the baseline rallies. He won 86% of his first serve points and when faced with two break points in the opening service game of the second set, he drew errors from his opponent who quickly found out the hard way after calling the tie one of the most exciting things in his life.

Djokovic is now one win shy of 400 at Slam level and should he defeat either Botic van de Zandschulp or Juncheng Shang, he will become the first to record 400 major match wins. Albeit Van de Zandschulp is perhaps one to avoid given that he stunned Djokovic last year at Indian Wells while he has never faced Shang.

Djokovic could face Lorenzo Musetti in the Quarter-Finals who is a good opponent for Djokovic given that he has a poor record against him. It could then be Jannik Sinner in the last four. Musetti eased past Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 to match a career best result at the major. He created 23 break chances, converting six and will now meet Tsitsipas or Machac.

"I didn’t know much about him until actually a few days ago. It happens more often than not these days for me. But nevertheless, respect is always there. I don’t underestimate anyone. He’s got a big serve, he’s got a big game. Obviously, he’s still lacking experience on a big stage, but he’s got the game to go far and to go high in the rankings, so I wish him that," said Djokovic post match.

Asked about a behind the back shot despite not winning the point, he explained the reasoning. "Well, I guess you’ve got to bring some variety into the game. I’ve been playing on tour for too long — you’ve got to mix things up. This is exactly the shot I was working on in my off-season, so I’m glad it’s coming together.

"I mean, I’m glad I didn’t embarrass myself — I got it over the net. But there are plenty of guys that play this shot better than me. And the tweener — I’m not even attempting that anymore. I could have played a tweener there, but I almost hurt myself the last couple of times I tried to do that. So yeah, it’s a fun story."

But while he counts on a lot of support, his kids certainly aren't up supporting him early morning in Serbia but he did praise his family and his children.

"No, no, absolutely not. They’re sleeping right now. There are some more important priorities for them — school, homework, their own activities.

"But look, there are no better and bigger supporters in my life than my wife and my kids, for sure. Of course, my family — my brothers, my parents — but when I became a father, one of my greatest wishes and dreams was to have my kids grow old enough to realise what is going on on the court and what their daddy is doing.

"I’ve been very blessed and lucky to experience them watching me in some of the greatest matches I’ve played in my career over the last five or six years. I couldn’t be happier with that.

"Right now, it’s all about them — their chores, their obligations, their activities. My son wanted to come, but he wants to do everything to avoid school, which is understandable! He likes tennis, he likes his daddy as well.

"Not having them here this year is obviously a bit different, but I know they’re always with me — always in my heart."