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Novak Djokovic marked his historic 100th win at the Australian Open with a commanding straight-sets victory over Spain’s Pedro Martinez on Monday night, delivering a performance that sent a clear message to his rivals as he pursues a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
The 38-year-old Serbian tennis legend dispatched Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round, achieving yet another milestone in his illustrious career. With this victory, Djokovic’s record at Melbourne Park now stands at an impressive 100-10, making him the first man in tennis history to win 100 or more matches on three different Grand Slam surfaces.
“I mean, what can I say? Centurion is pretty nice,” Djokovic said after the match, clearly savoring the achievement. “Nice feeling.”
The win adds to his already remarkable collection of 102 victories on the grass courts of Wimbledon and 101 on the clay at Roland Garros. Monday’s match also saw Djokovic equal Roger Federer’s record of 21 Australian Open appearances and match the overall Grand Slam participation record of 81 events, previously shared by Federer and Spain’s Feliciano Lopez.
Djokovic’s performance showed glimpses of his vintage best. A spectacular running crosscourt forehand winner near the end of the first set prompted a celebratory “ripping-the-cord” gesture from the 10-time Australian Open champion. In the third set, he channeled French player Gael Monfils with a leaping forehand winner that further demonstrated his athletic prowess.
His service statistics were particularly impressive: 77% first serves in, 93% first serve points won, 85% second serve points won, and 14 aces. Perhaps most tellingly, he didn’t face a single break point throughout the match.
“Performance-wise, the feeling on the court, it was great. I couldn’t ask for more. Obviously a great serving performance,” Djokovic reflected. The Serbian added that such a commanding victory was “sending the right signal, not just to yourself but to all your opponents.”
Despite his extensive list of accomplishments, Djokovic remains hungry for more. What he truly desires is to secure six more wins over the next two weeks, which would bring his Grand Slam tally to 25, further cementing his status as the most decorated tennis player in history. He already holds the records for most men’s Grand Slam singles titles and the most in the Open era.
“History making is a great motivation,” he stated simply.
The past two years have seen younger stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominate the sport’s biggest tournaments. Djokovic reached the semifinals at all four majors in 2023 but couldn’t break through the “Sincaraz” rivalry that has emerged between the two young champions.
In a lighter moment during his post-match press conference, Djokovic joked about noticing that 22-year-old Alcaraz had modified his service motion to closely resemble the Serbian’s own technique.
“As soon as I saw it, I sent him a message and I said, ‘You know, we have to speak about the copyrights!'” Djokovic quipped. “Then when I saw him here, I told him we have to talk about percentage of his winnings. Every ace I expect a tribute to me!”
Unlike previous years, Djokovic opted not to play any warm-up tournaments before the Australian Open, preserving his energy for the season’s first Grand Slam. It’s a calculated approach as he attempts to win his first major title since 2023.
“I’m using every hour that I can to get my body recovered and in shape for the next challenge,” he explained.
While Djokovic has acknowledged that Alcaraz and two-time defending Australian Open champion Sinner are currently playing at an exceptional level, he remains confident in his abilities. The veteran believes that if he can align all aspects of his game at the right moment, he still possesses the quality to overcome any opponent on tour.
As he continues his pursuit of tennis immortality in Melbourne, Djokovic’s opening performance suggests he remains a formidable force in the game, regardless of age or emerging competition.
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8 Comments
While Djokovic’s accomplishments are undeniably impressive, I wonder how the younger generation of players will challenge him in the years to come. The race for tennis supremacy remains wide open.
Djokovic is truly a tennis legend, setting new records with each tournament. Reaching 100 wins at the Australian Open is an incredible feat, showcasing his consistency and dominance over the years.
Equaling Federer’s records for Australian Open appearances and overall Grand Slam participation is another remarkable achievement. Djokovic’s longevity and hunger to win are truly unparalleled.
Absolutely, Djokovic’s drive and determination to keep reaching new heights in his career are truly inspiring.
As Djokovic continues to rewrite the record books, it’s important to appreciate the longevity and excellence of his career. He has truly cemented his place among the all-time greats of tennis.
Djokovic’s ability to consistently win on multiple surfaces is a testament to his versatility and adaptability. This all-round skill set makes him a formidable opponent on any given day.
Indeed, Djokovic’s mastery of different court surfaces is a key factor in his sustained success at the highest level of the sport.
It will be interesting to see if Djokovic can continue his dominance and secure a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. His performance in the opening round indicates he is in peak form and ready to make another deep run.