MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic marked his 100th Australian Open victory in emphatic fashion, producing a near-flawless serving display to sweep aside Spain’s Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round on Monday.
The world number four, chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title, dominated behind his delivery throughout the twohour contest, dropping only five points from 57 on serve. Djokovic held to love eight times, lost just one point on serve in both the second and third sets and won 93 per cent of points on his first serve while maintaining a 77 per cent first-serve accuracy.
Fittingly, the 10-time champion sealed the win with his 14th ace of the night on Rod Laver Arena. Former doubles great Mark Woodforde described Djokovic’s serving as “supreme” and “exceptional”, but the 38-year-old offered a characteristically measured verdict.
“It was a great performance. I served very well,” Djokovic said. “It is always important to start a Slam on the right note.”
After becoming a centurion at Melbourne Park, Djokovic was shown highlights from his 2005 debut, but insisted he would reflect on his career only after retirement. He next faces Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in round two.
Gauff advances to second round
Third seed Coco Gauff overcame early serving issues to defeat Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 6-3 in her opening match.
Gauff committed six double faults in the first set before settling
Djokovic held to love eight times, lost just one point on serve in both the sets and won 93% of points on his first serve while having 77% first-serve accuracy
down in the second. She acknowledged the challenge of playing with the sun low over Rod Laver Arena but said she grew more comfortable as the match progressed.
The 21-year-old, who is refining her serve, used a comfort break to reset and found better rhythm thereafter.
Gauff will face left-hander Olga Danilovic in round two after the Serb beat Venus Williams.
Elsewhere, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula and Clara Tauson also progressed with straightset wins.