Novak Djokovic kicked off his 2026 Australian Open campaign in style, securing a convincing straight-sets win over Spain's Pedro Martinez in the first round at Rod Laver Arena. The 38-year-old Serbian legend triumphed 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, marking his 100th career victory at Melbourne Park and highlighting his enduring dominance on the hard courts.
This milestone win not advanced Djokovic into the second round but also shed light on several historic achievements within reach as he chases a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam men's singles title.
Novak Djokovic hits historic 100th win at Melbourne
Novak Djokovic entered the match with 99 Australian Open victories, trailing only Roger Federer's record of 102. By defeating Pedro Martinez in under two hours, the 10-time champion became the first man to reach 100 match wins at three different Grand Slams. He already boasts over 100 wins at both the French Open and Wimbledon. This feat cements his reputation for consistency across surfaces and tournaments.
The Serb's performance was clinical from the start. He dominated with powerful serving and precise groundstrokes, winning a high percentage of first-serve points and breaking Martinez multiple times. Despite the Spaniard's efforts to extend rallies, Djokovic's experience and shot-making proved too much.
Novak Djokovic after winning the first round of Australian Open 2026
“What can I say? I like the sound of it… Centurion is pretty nice,” Novak Djokovic said.
“It’s nice to be a centurion in these numbers. History making is a great motivation, particularly in the last five, 10 years of my career. Once I got myself in a position to create history, I was even more inspired to play the best tennis," he added.
“I was very fortunate early on to encounter some people that taught me and guided me to play the long shot with my career, not to burn out too quickly, and try to have the longest career possible. I’m blessed to still be playing at this level.”
Chasing Grand Slam glory and more records
Novak Djokovic, seeded fourth, arrived in Melbourne eyeing his 11th Australian Open crown, which would tie Margaret Court's all-time record for most titles at the event. A tournament win would also deliver his 25th major, surpassing everyone else on the men's list and solidifying his status as the most successful male player in tennis history.
Currently tied with Margaret Court at 24 Grand Slam titles since his last triumph in 2023, Djokovic knows the pressure is on amid rising stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Yet he remains focused.
With 398 Grand Slam match wins now, two more victories would see him reach the remarkable 400 milestone, a testament to his longevity.
This appearance also marks his 81st Grand Slam main draw, tying the record held by Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez for most by a man.
Looking ahead in Melbourne
Novak Djokovic's path could grow tougher, but his first-round masterclass sends a strong message. He will next face 23-year-old Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli. The debutant defeated Terence Atmane 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-1 to earn his first main-draw victory at a major.
