Australian Open: Djokovic begins bid for 25th Grand Slam with efficient win

MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic launched his quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title in commanding fashion, cruising past unseeded Spaniard Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday. The Serb eased pre-tournament concerns over his fitness with a confident and clinical performance.

Questions had surrounded Djokovic’s readiness for the tournament he has won a record 10 times, after the 38-year-old skipped the Adelaide warm-up event and cut short a practice session on Sunday. However, he showed no signs of discomfort as he secured his 100th career match victory at Melbourne Park.

What initially appeared to be a potentially challenging opener against debutant opponent Martinez quickly became routine, as Djokovic broke early and maintained complete control under the bright lights of Rod Laver Arena to claim the opening set.

Despite not having competed since November, when he captured his 101st career title in Athens, Djokovic looked sharp from the outset. He broke serve early in the second set, highlighted by a blistering crosscourt winner, and wrapped it up with ease.

With much of the pre-tournament spotlight on defending champion Jannik Sinner and world number one Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic delivered a timely reminder of his enduring threat, producing sublime tennis to dominate the third set and seal a convincing victory.