Novak Djokovic continued his calm march through the Australian Open on Thursday, January 22, 2026, easing past Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in Melbourne, while defending women’s champion Madison Keys also booked her place in the third round.
The results matter because Djokovic edged closer to more Grand Slam history, and Keys showed she can win even when not at her best.
What happened at Melbourne Park on Thursday?
Djokovic, the fourth seed, beat world number 141 Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 at Melbourne Park to reach the third round with minimal fuss.
On the women’s side, ninth seed Keys overcame fellow American Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 7-5 after a brief wobble in the second set.
Novak Djokovic won by a score of 6-3 6-2 6-2.
He has not lost a set all tournament.
Simply the best.pic.twitter.com/14aBu7XIJ4
— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) January 22, 2026
Both matches took place on Thursday as the second round of the Australian Open continued under hot summer conditions in Melbourne.
The early rounds of the tournament have already produced statement performances across the men’s draw, including a dominant opening display from Carlos Alcaraz as the Australian Open got underway.
Why was Djokovic’s win historically important?
The victory marked Djokovic’s 399th Grand Slam match win, placing him just one behind Roger Federer’s all-time record. It was also his 101st match win at the Australian Open, a tournament where he is chasing a record-extending 11th Melbourne title.
At 38, the Serb never looked stretched. He broke early in the first set, tightened his grip at the start of the second, and controlled the rallies with trademark precision.
Speaking after the match, Djokovic said, “I didn’t know much about him until a few days ago. But the respect is always there, and I didn’t underestimate him. He’s got a big serve and a big game, only lacking a bit of experience.”
Djokovic will next face Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round.
How did other men’s seeds perform?
Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, the fifth seed, won an emotional all-Italian clash against close friend Lorenzo Sonego, claiming a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 victory on Margaret Court Arena.
Musetti admitted the match tested him mentally: “It was not easy to prepare or to play because Lorenzo is one of my best friends on tour.”
American eighth seed Ben Shelton also progressed comfortably, beating Australia’s Dane Sweeny 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. He will now meet Valentin Vacherot, who ended local hopes by defeating Rinky Hijikata.
Did Madison Keys look convincing as the defending champion?
Keys powered through the opening set against Krueger but briefly lost control in the second, throwing in a string of double faults and surrendering two breaks of serve. However, she steadied herself at the crucial moment to close out the match 7-5.
Madison Keys had it covered 💯@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/jZAmPOSL51
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2026
The defending champion said she expected the challenge to rise: “I started really well, then I was fully expecting her to raise her level, which she did. Once I got momentum back, I tried to do whatever I could to get through.”
Keys will face Karolina Pliskova next, a match likely to test her serving rhythm.
Who else advanced in the women’s draw?
Sixth seed Jessica Pegula delivered one of the most dominant displays of the day, beating doubles partner McCartney Kessler 6-0, 6-2 in just 58 minutes. She now plays Russia’s Oksana Selekhmeteva.
Fourth seed Amanda Anisimova also moved into round three with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Katerina Siniakova and will meet fellow American Peyton Stearns next.
What matches are coming up next at the Australian Open?
Play continues with several high-profile names in action:
- Defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner faces Australian wildcard James Duckworth
- Women’s second seed Iga Swiatek takes on Marie Bouzkova
- Two-time champion Naomi Osaka meets Sorana Cirstea
UK interest remains strong as the women’s draw tightens, with Emma Raducanu’s potential clash with Aryna Sabalenka also catching the eye of British tennis fans following events in Melbourne.
