Athens
“Ton-up” Djokovic wins opening match in record slam quest.
Novak Djokovic made light work of his straight sets Australian Open first-round victory over Pedro Martinez, 6-3 6-2 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena, wrapping up the win in just two hours.
In doing so Djokovic notched up his 100th win at the Australian Open, as he looks to make it a record 25th Grand slam title and his 11th title in Melbourne.
He also becomes the only player to record 100 or more victories at three different Grand Slams.
Since making his Australian Open debut in 2005 he has lost only 10 matches.
Remarkably Djokovic did not play a single competitive warm-up match ahead of this first-round encounter, his last appearance coming when beating Lorenzo Musetti in the Hellenic Championship in Athens, his latest residential home base, over two months ago.
The 4th seeded and 4th ranked in the world Serb said after the match, “the opportunity to break tennis records has served as a great motivation for my continuing career”
“I always give my best, it’s a great motivation, particularly last five-10 years,” Djokovic. “Once I got myself in a position that I could make history, I was even more inspired to play my best tennis”
“I was very fortunate early on in my career to encounter people who taught me and guided me to play the long shot with my career. Not to burn out too quickly. Take care of my body, my mind, and try to have as long a career as possible”
“I’m blessed to still be playing at this level. Another win tonight here is a dream come true
Djokovic called tonight’s victory “a serving masterclass” winning 93% of points behind his first serve.
Djokovic will play Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in the second round.
Main photo:- Novak Djokovic – by ISF Ltd