Sydney: Novak Djokovic began his Australian Open campaign with a dominant first-round win, reaching another career milestone at Melbourne Park.
The former world number one defeated Spain’s Pedro Martinez, ranked 72nd, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to register his 100th career victory at the Australian Open. Djokovic is the first player in the tournament’s history to reach the mark.
A 10-time champion in Melbourne, the 38-year-old is now just two wins away from surpassing Roger Federer’s record of 102 Australian Open match victories.
The win also earned Djokovic a rare place in tennis history. He has now recorded 100 or more wins at three Grand Slam tournaments- the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros, making him the first ATP player to achieve the feat.
Djokovic controlled the match from the start, dominating baseline rallies and hitting far more winners than his opponent. He showed no signs of discomfort as he eased through the contest in under two hours.
100th win Down Under! 🦘
Djokovic defeats Pedro Martinez in straight sets and makes it to R2 🔜#AO26 pic.twitter.com/iILe76vPmG
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) January 19, 2026
He will face Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in the second round as he continues his pursuit of an 11th Australian Open title. Djokovic reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments last season.
In another match, Norway’s Casper Ruud advanced to the second round with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win over Italy’s Mattia Bellucci. The 12th seed secured his 50th career Grand Slam victory and said he was pleased with his start to the tournament.
The Australian Open continues this week in Melbourne, with top players aiming to build early momentum in the season’s first Grand Slam.
