Australian Open: Supreme Novak Djokovic Blasts Way Past Francesco Maestrelli Into Round 3

Australian Open: The 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic showcased his mastery at the Australian Open, utilising his trademark tactics and razor-sharp skills to outmanoeuvre Francesco Maestrelli in the second round at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday.

The 10-time champion kept his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title open with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory to reach Round 3, needing seven set points to clinch the 47-minute opener. 

"I didn't know much about him (Maestrelli) until a few days ago; it happens more often than not these days," Djokovic said about his 23-year-old opponent.

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"But the respect is always there and I didn't underestimate him. He's got a big serve and a big game, only lacking a bit of experience. He's got the game to go far and high in the world rankings and I wish him that," he added.

The 38-year-old moved in flow throughout the first set, heaping pressure on 141 Maestrelli, who floundered to grab the opportunities on his few openings.

Djokovic quickly gained a set point with a sizzling backhand and secured the set with an unreturned attempt from the same side. Now, Djokovic is one win shy of 400 victories at the Slam level.

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Making his 21st appearance at Melbourne Park, the 10-times Australian champion is likely to face Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the quarter-finals and two-time reigning champion Jannik Sinner in the last four.