Novak Djokovic equaled two all-time tennis records by starting his 21st Australian Open, and he added another milestone Monday night with his 100th win at Melbourne Park.
He liked the sound of it.
“I mean, what can I say? I like the sound of it — centurion is pretty nice,” the 24-time major winner said after his 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 first-round win over Pedro Martinez of Spain. “Nice feeling.”
Djokovic, 38, is now 100-10 at the Australian Open, where he has won 10 titles. He also has won 102 at Wimbledon and 101 at Roland Garros.
What he really wants more than anything is six more in the next two weeks, enough to win a 25th major and become the most decorated tennis player of all time.
By starting his 21st Australian Open campaign, he equaled the tournament record held by Roger Federer. By starting his 81st Grand Slam tournament, he equaled another record that Federer shared with Feliciano López.
“History-making is a great motivation,” he said.
Djokovic showed signs of vintage form, with a running crosscourt forehand winner in the first set taking the adoring crowd at Rod Laver Arena back to his prime.
He didn’t face a breakpoint in a clean serving performance, had a 1st serve points won percentage of 93, and he fired 14 aces, including one on match point.
“Tonight’s performance was definitely great. Can’t complain,” he said, adding that the commanding victory was “sending the right signal, not just to yourself but to all your opponents.”
Djokovic didn’t play any warmup tournaments, saving himself for the big occasion in a bid to win a major title that has eluded him since 2023.
“I’m using every hour that I can to get my body recovered and in shape for the next challenge,” he said.
He reached the semifinals at all four majors in 2025 but couldn’t break the stranglehold that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have had on the biggest trophies in the sport for the last two years.
Also Monday, Stan Wawrinka kicked off his farewell season at the Slams with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) win over Laslo Djere. The 2014 champion announced last month that 2026 will be his last year on the elite tour.
“It is my last year. It’s been too long that I’m coming back!” he said. “The passion is still intact. Today was amazing. I’m so happy that I won — I have a chance to play one more here.”
Three-time Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev beat Jesper de Jong 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 (2) to advance along with No. 6 Alex de Minaur, No. 12 Casper Ruud, No. 13 Andrey Rublev, No. 19 seed Tommy Paul and Reilly Opelka.
A combined total of 101,696 fans flocked to Melbourne Park on Monday, surpassing the tournament daily record of 100,763 set on Sunday.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
