Novak Djokovic is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down in Melbourne.
The Serb, aged 38, has yet to drop a set in his 21st Australian Open campaign, having recorded three comfortable victories.
Djokovic made quick work of both Pedro Martinez and Francesco Maestrelli in rounds one and two, respectively, and despite being forced to a third-set tiebreak against Botic van de Zandschulp, he came through the test in straight sets.
How far do you think Novak Djokovic will go at the Australian Open?
Though the 24-time major champion is not the favourite to go all the way Down Under, he is certainly giving himself the best possible chance of defeating Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner by keeping his matches short.
None of his wins, thus far, has taken more than three hours to secure, but that might be about to change in round four.
Novak Djokovic’s next test at the 2026 Australian Open
Djokovic is now set to face his toughest test of the Australian Open so far, as his next opponent comes in the form of Jakub Mensik.
Mensik, 18 years Djokovic’s junior, is undefeated so far in 2026 after seven matches.
The Czech star secured his second ATP Tour-level title at the ASB Classic in Auckland earlier this month, defeating the likes of Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Sebastian Baez en route to hoisting the trophy.
At the Australian Open, Mensik was tested in round one against Pablo Carreno Busta, but he has since earned two straight-set wins over Rafael Jodar and Ethan Quinn.
Prior to his triumph in New Zealand, Mensik clinched his first ATP title at last year’s Miami Open, where he announced himself to the tennis world.
Aged 19 at the time, Mensik became the second youngest champion in the ATP Masters 1000 event’s history, older only than Alcaraz.
There, he defeated Jack Draper, Arthur Fils and Taylor Fritz on his way to the final, where he met Djokovic.
Nobody was expecting the teenager to deny Djokovic the title, but Mensik delivered an outstanding performance, winning two tiebreaks to come out on top, 7-6, 7-6.
Mensik’s win in Miami will undoubtedly be on Djokovic’s mind when they take to the court to fight for a place in the quarterfinals.
Even if Djokovic does win, there is a great chance it could take four or five sets, which could hinder his chances of winning the tournament.
Djokovic needs to be wrapping up matches quickly to save energy for Alcaraz and Sinner, and a four-hour marathon may end up being what derails his pursuit of major number 25.
Who has been the best player at the Australian Open so far?
The prediction John McEnroe made about Jakub Mensik last year
Mensik is one of the most talented young players on the ATP Tour right now, and according to tennis legend John McEnroe, he and two others have the best chance of closing the gap on Sinner and Alcaraz at the top of the rankings.
As per TalkSport, last year, McEnroe was discussing the chances of Mensik and Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca competing with the ‘new two’ for Grand Slams.
He said: “One of those two guys or Ben [Shelton] would be my choice right now.
“I think it would be important to get another guy or two to add to the mix. That would be really helpful.”
Mensik is currently ranked 17th in the world, and has now guaranteed the best Grand Slam finish of his career at the Australian Open.
A second consecutive win over Djokovic is all that separates him from a maiden quarterfinal appearance at a major.
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