"Maestrelli 0-1 Djokovic (4) Four out of five first serves in, ending with a game -clinching ace. Djokovic is up and running in second gear, with the air of a man humouring his enthusiastic child. Share Djokovic to serve first Share Cries of Nole! as the living legend strides out onto a sunbathed Rod Laver Arena. He unpacks his bags in front of a knot of Serbian fans and pulls on a white crocodilian hat."
"Djokovic seems to create history every time he steps on to a tennis court these days, and this occasion was no different. By simply lining up to the baseline against Martinez, Djokovic tied Roger Federer's record of most main-draw appearances at the Australian Open (21), a tournament he has won a record 10 times, and Federer's and Feliciano Lopez's record of most grand slam appearances (81)."
"He's finishing his stretching and warm-ups backstage, resplendent in vivid green Lacoste. The outsider Francesco Maestrelli is pacing around, doing his best not to show the nerves that will clearly be coursing through his body. The 23 year old is bedecked in a Wimbledon-worthy white Diadora outfit. Yesterday, Carlos Alcaraz continued his quest to complete a career grand slam at the age of 22. And Alex de Minaur showed plenty of grit to keep home hopes alive."
Novak Djokovic began his match against Francesco Maestrelli with four of five first serves in, finishing the opening game with an ace. Djokovic appeared resplendent in vivid green Lacoste and a white crocodilian hat while Maestrelli wore a backward baseball cap and a white Diadora outfit. Djokovic tied Roger Federer's record of 21 Australian Open main-draw appearances and matched Federer and Feliciano Lopez on 81 grand slam appearances; Djokovic has won the Australian Open ten times. Carlos Alcaraz pursued a career Grand Slam. Paula Badosa lost to Oksana Selekhmeteva. Karen Khachanov advanced convincingly. Melbourne weather forecasts showed dramatic temperature swings.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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