Melbourne, Jan. 22 -- Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the 2026 Australian Open with a commanding straight-sets victory over Italy's Francesco Maestrelli at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday.
The Serbian fourth seed was rarely troubled as he sealed a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win, continuing his pursuit of an 11th Australian Open singles title, according to Olympics.com.
He took immediate command of the match, establishing his dominance on the court with a 3-0 lead in the first set.
Maestrelli showed flashes of resistance, saving several break points with a series of powerful serves and three aces to force Djokovic to serve for the set, which the 10-time champion duly closed out.
The pattern remained unchanged in the second set, with Djokovi...