Novak Djokovic expressed satisfaction with his off-season training after a convincing win at the Australian Open, highlighting his commitment to continuous improvement in his game.
Novak Djokovic showcased his prowess on the court by defeating Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 during the second round of the Australian Open on January 22, 2026. This victory propels the former world number one into the third round as he aims for a record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park and his 25th Grand Slam trophy overall.
Djokovic, currently seeded fourth, maintained a steady grip on the match without needing to exert himself fully. This performance comes as he embarks on his first tournament of the season, having opted to skip the Adelaide tune-up event. His decision followed a successful conclusion to the previous season, where he clinched his 101st title in Athens in November.
In a post-match press conference, Djokovic reflected on the importance of his off-season training. “I always try to work with purpose,” he stated. “I had a longer off-season, similar to the one before this one. When I have more time, I look at my game and identify different elements that I can improve. Otherwise, what’s the point of competing and not trying to be better than you were the season before? That’s the mentality I try to nurture.”
He expressed satisfaction with the results of his hard work, noting, “I’m glad it’s paying off. It’s the beginning of the tournament, and I haven’t played any lead-up matches. I’m happy to play this way, considering the lack of competitive matches for more than two months. It’s all been positive so far, and I’ve got to keep it up.”
Meanwhile, Italian fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti also advanced to the third round, defeating compatriot Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. Musetti acknowledged the challenge of facing a friend on the tour but expressed pride in his performance.
American eighth seed Ben Shelton secured his place in the next round by overcoming Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. Shelton is set to face Valentin Vacherot, who made headlines last year by becoming the first player from Monaco to reach the third round of a Grand Slam. Shelton noted the mental aspect of tennis, emphasizing the small margins that separate players at different levels.
In the women’s draw, fourth seed Amanda Anisimova progressed to the third round after defeating Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova 6-1, 6-4. Anisimova discussed her ongoing efforts to refine her serve, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement in her game.
As the tournament unfolds, Djokovic’s focus on his off-season training and commitment to improvement may prove crucial in his quest for more Grand Slam titles. His performance thus far indicates that his hard work is beginning to pay off, setting the stage for what could be a historic run at this year’s Australian Open.
According to The Sunday Guardian, Djokovic’s approach to training and competition continues to reflect his dedication to excellence in the sport.