Australian Open 2026: Novak Djokovic beats Francesco Mastrelli to reach third round
“I didn’t know much about him until a few days ago – and that happens a lot now,” Djokovic said of Mastrelli, ranked 141st in the world.
“The respect is always there and I’m not underestimating him. He has a great serve and a great game, he just lacks a little experience.
“He will go far in the sport and reach the top of the world rankings and I hope he can do that.”
Djokovic has never lost to a qualifier or lucky loser at a Grand Slam, and his 37-0 record against them is the best of anyone in the Open era.
Although his serve wasn’t as strong as in the first round, Djokovic still won 86 percent of his first serve points and saved four of the five break points he faced.
Saturday’s third-round victory over Botik van der Zandschulp will be his 400th Grand Slam singles victory. No other player has achieved this feat.
Djokovic won’t be able to face world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz before the final, but he could face two-time defending champion and second-seeded Yannik Sinner in the semifinals.
