Djokovic maintains perfect “qualifier” streak to reach Melbourne third round
World No. 4 Novak Djokovic extended his unblemished 37-0 Grand Slam record against qualifiers on Thursday, easing past Italy’s Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2026 | © PsNewz
Novak Djokovic continued his pursuit of a record-extending 11th Australian Open title with a comprehensive 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory over Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli on Thursday.
The world number four maintained his perfect record against qualifiers and lucky losers at Grand Slam events, extending his career streak to 37-0 in such matches while securing a place in the third round without dropping a set this week.
The victory further cements Djokovic’s status as the Open Era’s most successful player against lower-ranked opponents in majors, having now won 110 sets and conceded just nine in his 37 matches against qualifiers.
The 38-year-old Serbian was efficient throughout the two-hour and 16-minute contest on Rod Laver Arena, despite producing an uncharacteristic 23 unforced errors against 19 winners. Djokovic utilized his superior baseline depth to neutralize Maestrelli, winning 60 percent of the total points and converting six of his 16 break point opportunities.
“Actually the same scoreline than the first round, so kind of similar feeling on the court of generally positive, Djokovic said to the media. I served better in the first match. I mean, I did feel like completely two different tournaments playing at night and day today, particularly with the wind that I think has been blowing this year more than any other year that I’ve been playing here in Australia.”
Djokovic : “I’m pleased with the way I’m moving and hitting the ball”
“Obviously, I have to adjust to that and adapt to a different opponent with big serve. But, I mean, overall it’s good. I’m pleased with the way I’m moving and hitting the ball.”
Maestrelli, a 23-year-old from Pisa making his Grand Slam main draw debut after 10 qualifying attempts, struggled to impose his power game against the tournament’s most successful champion. Ranked 141 in the world, the Italian attempted a high-risk approach that yielded 21 winners but was ultimately undone by Djokovic’s relentless defense and 52 percent return points won.
Djokovic – Van de Zandschulp third round
Despite the loss, Maestrelli’s run to the second round is expected to push his world ranking to a career-high inside the top 120. Botic van de Zandschulp from Netherlands set up a high-stakes third-round encounter with the Serbian after a convincing 7-6(6), 6-2, 6-3 victory over China’s Jerry Shang. The Dutchman displayed superior composure in the opening set tiebreak before pulling away to secure the win in straight sets.
The upcoming clash with Djokovic carries significant weight, as the pair’s head-to-head record is currently deadlocked at 1-1. Van de Zandschulp will enter the match with considerable confidence, having won their most recent meeting—a stunning 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 upset over the 10-time Melbourne champion at Indian Wells 2025.
