MELBOURNE, Australia — In a thrilling start to the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic marked a significant milestone by securing his 100th match victory at Melbourne Park. The 38-year-old Serbian champion achieved this feat with a commanding first-round win over Pedro Martinez, defeating him 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. This victory not only adds to Djokovic’s impressive collection of titles, which includes a record 10 Australian Open championships, but also solidifies his standing as the first man to reach 100 or more wins at three Grand Slam tournaments.
Djokovic’s achievement comes as he begins his 21st Australian Open and 81st Grand Slam tournament, equaling two all-time tennis records. “I like the sound of it,” Djokovic said, referring to his centurion status. “Centurion is pretty nice.”
Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek, the world No. 2, faced a more challenging pathway in her first-round match. Swiatek battled through some early difficulties against Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue, ranked No. 130. Despite never finding her rhythm, she managed to secure a 7-6(5), 6-3 victory. The Polish player aims for her first Australian Open title, with only this Grand Slam missing from her career collection of major championships.
Swiatek acknowledged her performance, stating, “I was a bit rusty at the beginning. Many ups and downs, but overall I have some stuff to work on.” After trailing 5-3 in the first set, she rallied to break back and ultimately won the tiebreaker, demonstrating her resilience.
Swiatek’s preparation for the tournament was less than ideal, having lost two singles matches at the United Cup. Nevertheless, she played a crucial role in helping Poland secure their first title in the event’s history.
On another note, Coco Gauff, the world No. 3, faced her own struggles in her opening match against Kamilla Rakhimova. After a shaky start with six double faults in the first set, Gauff rebounded to win 6-2, 6-3. “I mean, it was just the first set,” Gauff remarked. “Once I got through that game, it was pretty much smooth sailing.”
Other notable performances included straight-set victories for Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, Victoria Mboko, and Paula Badosa. However, former champion Sofia Kenin faced a fifth consecutive first-round exit, losing 6-3, 6-2 to fellow American Peyton Stearns.
In a dramatic turn, Felix Auger-Aliassime retired from his match against Nuno Borges due to cramping, with Borges leading 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 at the time.
As the tournament progresses, former champion Stan Wawrinka launched his farewell season at the Slams with a hard-fought win over Laslo Djere, finishing 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4). Wawrinka has confirmed that 2026 will mark his final year on the elite tour, expressing, “It’s been too long that I’m coming back! The passion is still intact. Today was amazing.”
The excitement at Melbourne Park was palpable, with a record-breaking total of 101,696 fans attending on January 15, surpassing the previous tournament daily record of 100,763 set the day before. As the competition unfolds, tennis enthusiasts worldwide will keep a close eye on these extraordinary athletes as they vie for glory at the Australian Open.
