Australian Open 2026: Novak Djokovic Cruises Towards History as Madison Keys Fights to Stay Alive
If there is one thing tennis fans have learned over the last two decades, it’s that betting against Novak Djokovic at Melbourne Park is a fool’s errand. The Australian Open 2026 is officially underway, and while some things change, the man at the top of the mountain certainly hasn’t.
On a warm January day at Rod Laver Arena, the 24-time Grand Slam champion reminded everyone why he is still the man to beat. While Djokovic breezed through his second-round match with the kind of clinical precision we’ve come to expect, defending women’s champion Madison Keys had a much bumpier ride.
Here is everything you need to know about day four, the history on the line, and why the “Djokovic era” shows absolutely no signs of ending.
Another Day, Another Masterclass from Djokovic
Let’s be honest: Francesco Maestrelli never really stood a chance. That isn’t a knock on the 23-year-old Italian qualifier, who fought bravely in his Grand Slam debut, but rather a testament to the Serbian legend standing on the other side of the net.
Djokovic dismantled Maestrelli in straight sets, winning 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. It was a vintage performance. He broke Maestrelli early in every set, suffocating the younger player’s game before he could even find a rhythm. The match was less of a contest and more of a demonstration. Djokovic moved with the fluidity of a man half his age, putting the ball exactly where he wanted it, point after point.
Speaking after the match, Djokovic was gracious, praising the young Italian’s big serve and potential. “I didn’t know much about him until a few days ago,” Djokovic admitted. “But the respect is always there. He’s got a big serve and a big game, only lacking a bit of experience.”
Experience, of course, is something Djokovic has in surplus.
The Road to 400: A Historic Milestone
This win wasn’t just about advancing to the third round; it was a massive step toward history. The victory marked Djokovic’s 399th Grand Slam singles win. He is now sitting on the absolute brink of becoming the first player in the history of the sport to record 400 wins at the major level.
It’s a staggering number. To put it in perspective, getting to 400 wins requires a level of consistency and durability that is almost unfathomable in modern sports. He is chasing his 11th Australian Open crown and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. While the rest of the field is battling for their first or second major, Djokovic is out there effectively rewriting the history books every time he steps on the court.
Keys Survives a Mid-Match Scare
While Djokovic was busy making things look easy, the defending women’s champion had to dig deep. Madison Keys, who stunned the world last year by taking down Aryna Sabalenka in the final, faced a serious test from rising American talent Ashlyn Krueger.
On paper, the 6-1, 7-5 scoreline looks reasonably comfortable. In reality, it was anything but. Keys came out firing, dominating the first set and looking like she would wrap things up quickly. But tennis is a game of momentum, and in the second set, that momentum shifted.
Keys experienced a “wobble”—a lapse in concentration that allowed Krueger to drag herself back into the fight. The crowd could feel the tension shift. For a moment, it looked like we might be heading for a dangerous third set. However, champions find a way to win when they aren’t playing their best, and that’s exactly what Keys did. She steadied the ship, regained control of her powerful groundstrokes, and closed out the match before panic could truly set in.
Defending the Crown is Never Easy
The pressure on Keys is immense. Defending a major title is a different beast than winning one for the first time. You aren’t the hunter anymore; you are the hunted. Keys admitted earlier in the week that she felt “too timid” in her opening round, battling nerves that come with the territory of being the reigning queen of Melbourne.
Her ability to recover against Krueger shows grit, but her inconsistency in that second set raises a few questions. Can she maintain this level against the top seeds? With players like Iga Swiatek looking dangerous in the draw, Keys will need to iron out those dips in performance if she wants to go back-to-back.
What Lies Ahead for Djokovic and the Field
The tournament is heating up. For Djokovic, the path forward looks clear, though not without its hurdles. He will face either the Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp or the young Chinese talent Shang Juncheng in the third round. While he remains the heavy favorite, the matches will only get tougher from here.
Meanwhile, the wider context of the Australian Open 2026 is fascinating. You have the “old guard” represented by Djokovic, refusing to give up his throne. Then you have the current stars like Jannik Sinner, the reigning men’s champion elsewhere, who is also advancing comfortably.
As we move into the third round, all eyes remain on history. Will Keys find her rhythm? Can anyone stop the Djokovic machine? If the first few days are any indication, we are in for a hell of a tournament.
FAQ SECTION
Q: What happened in Djokovic’s match?
A: He defeated Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the third round.
Q: Who is involved?
A: Novak Djokovic, Madison Keys, Francesco Maestrelli, and Ashlyn Krueger.
Q: Why is this news important?
A: Djokovic is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam, while Keys is defending her title.
Q: What are the next steps?
A: Djokovic faces van de Zandschulp, and Keys prepares for stronger opponents in later rounds.
