Novak Djokovic is on an incredible trip at the 2026 Australian Open. He is seeking to achieve a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. After his win at the US Open in 2023, Djokovic has remained stuck on 24 grand slam crowns. He is currently hell-bent on winning one more to surpass Margaret Court, the all-time Grand Slam titles leader.
With unseeded Djokovic taking on Pedro Martinez in the first round, that journey started on January 19th 2026. He put on a dominant display, winning the final without losing a single set and conceding just eight games total. The win pushed Djokovic to an impressive 100 wins at the Australian Open, furthering his legacy at Melbourne Park.
“I am blessed to be still playing at this level,” Djokovic remarked after his first-round match. He exuded great confidence during his time in service, walking through the gauntlet without even breaking a sweat. Against Martinez, he just like that jumped out to a quick 2-0 second-set lead.
After scoring his biggest career win on Monday, Djokovic will face Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in the second round. In order to move closer to his stated goal of winning a 25th Title, he needs to defeat fierce competition. That means playing against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as the matches unfold deeper into the tournament.
Even with his stellar beginning, Djokovic has hit a few bumps in the road as he’s gotten closer to this year’s spectacle. He pulled out of a warm-up event earlier this month, saying he was worried about his physical form. His final competitive game was the first week of November. This has forced him to conserve his body as much as possible while still competing and performing at the highest level.
The Serbian is ranked No. 4 in the world at this time. This too is history, as he has now equaled the record for most all-time men’s singles appearances in Grand Slam tournaments, tying Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez. This milestone is yet another example of his lasting impact on the sport.
He expressed his appreciation for the Australian Open, stating, “Great to be back once again, definitely my favourite court.” That mix of personal milestones and chasing history is powerful motivation for the veteran athlete.
As Djokovic continues his run through the tournament, tennis fans from all corners of the globe will be watching intently to see how he fares. He’s undoubtedly motivated by the historic chase for his unfathomable 25th Grand Slam title. This singular pursuit motivates him to push the limits of his body and fellow racers.
