MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic dropped a service game for the first time in this Australian Open and then didn’t lose another point against Francesco Maestrelli, advancing to the third round with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win Thursday.
It was Djokovic’s 399th win in a Grand Slam singles match, leaving the 24-time major just one more to be the first player to reach 400.
The break of serve, in the sixth game of the third set, was almost like a rehearsal for later matches. He followed a second serve to the net but then missed the volley to give it up.
It stung the 38-year-old Djokovic, a noted perfectionist. He broke Maestrelli at love in the next game to take a 5-2 lead, smacking the last ball into the net after the Italian, ranked No. 141, hit a groundstroke long.
He held at love in an eight-point roll to finish things off. Djokovic is in Australia seeking an 11th title at Melbourne Park and a 25th major overall, which would make him the most decorated tennis player of all time.
“I didn’t know much about him until yesterday,” Djokovic said of the 23-year-old Maestrelli, who went through qualifying to make his debut in a Grand Slam main draw. “Nevertheless, respect is always there. I don’t underestimate anyone.
“He’s got a big serve. He’s got a big game. He’s lacking experience on the big stage but he’s got the game to go high.”
In the third round, Djokovic will meet Botic Van De Zandschulp, who beat Shang Juncheng 7-6 (6), 6-2, 6-3.
Fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti beat fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.
Later Thursday, Jannik Sinner will continue his bid for a third straight Australian title when he takes on local wild-card entry James Duckworth in the first night match on Rod Laver Arena.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
