Novak Djokovic has delivered two impressive performances at the Australian Open so far.
The Serb, in pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, has made quick work of his first two opponents at Melbourne Park.
Djokovic beat Pedro Martinez in the first round 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, and overcame Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to advance to round three.
Who has been the best player at the Australian Open so far?
At 38 years of age, he is showing no signs of regression, but he will face a tough test next in the form of Botic van de Zandschulp.
Discussing his current level on the Nothing Major podcast, former American player Sam Querrey claimed Djokovic is playing better than he was last year.
Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson discuss Novak Djokovic
“Novak crushed it again,” said Querrey of Djokovic’s win over Maestrelli at the Australian Open.
“Novak is a man on a mission right now. I know he’s played two matches this year. He looks better in 2026 through two matches that he does in 2025 so far.
“I’m telling you, there’s just like this aura around him and seriousness and the way he’s striking the ball.
“He is a man on a mission. I think this year he’s going to be even better than last year. I’m not saying he’s going to win a major or make a final or beat Carlos and Jannik, but I think he’s better.”
Former world number 21 Steve Johnson agreed, stating: “I think you’re right. I mean, it does look that way, right?
“Like, we saw him at the last couple of Slams. The US open, he loses a couple of sets in the first couple of rounds, like, he’s wasting no effort, no energy, he’s going out there, he’s vintage Novak roadhousing people.
“He’s got to find a way to just get to week two with as little court time as possible so he can just save everything for those guys and he’s doing just that. It’s crazy to watch.”
How far do you think Novak Djokovic will go at the Australian Open?
Novak Djokovic’s head-to-head record against his next opponent
Djokovic has faced his third-round opponent, van de Zandschulp, twice before on the ATP Tour, with the head-to-head currently tied one apiece.
They first met in Astana during the 2022 season, where Djokovic got the better of van de Zandschulp, beating him in straight sets.
Three years later, they played for a second time at the Indian Wells Open, with the Dutchman earning revenge by winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.
Now, the two will play each other for the first time at a Grand Slam, with a place in the fourth round up for grabs.
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