Novak Djokovic reveals 'great motivation' behind final years of his career after hitting 100 Australian Open wins against Pedro Martinez

Novak Djokovic made light work of his straight-sets Australian Open first-round victory over Pedro Martinez, marking his return to competitive action for the first time since November with a statement performance as he searches for a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne. The victory was Djokovic's 100th at the Australian Open, as he looks to clear his joint all-time record of 24 major titles.

Novak Djokovic said the opportunity to break tennis records has served as a "great motivation" for his continuing career after impressively dispatching Pedro Martinez in the first round of the Australian Open.

In defeating the Spaniard 6-3 6-2 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic clinched his 100th match victory at the Melbourne Grand Slam, with just 10 defeats since making his debut at the tournament in 2005.

Djokovic is hunting an elusive record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title which would pull him clear of Margaret Court as the most decorated player of all-time.

Australian Open Men's Singles -

'I was thinking about it' - How Nadal's heroics inspired Alcaraz win over Djokovic

01/02/2026 at 19:18

The 38-year-old said advice from those around him during his early seasons helped him realise what it took to enjoy a long and successful career and that his recent years have been inspired by chances to keep making tennis history.

"I always give my best, it’s a great motivation, particularly last five-10 years," Djokovic said on court. "Once I got myself in a position that I could make history, I was even more inspired to play my best tennis.

"I was very fortunate early on in my career to encounter people who taught me and guided me to play the long shot with my career. Not to burn out too quickly. Take care of my body, my mind, and try to have as long a career as possible.

Djokovic gets big ovation as he walks out for opening match

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I’m blessed to still be playing at this level. Another win tonight here is a dream come true."

Djokovic did not play a single competitive warm-up match ahead of his first-round encounter - his last appearance coming when he beat Lorenzo Musetti to lift the Hellenic Championship in Greece more than two months ago.

But there was no sign of notable rust from the No. 4 seed, who powered home a 15 hold before breaking Martinez at the first opportunity, responding well when called to the net, albeit aided by some stray first serves by his Spaniard opponent.

While Djokovic was in a race for fitness ahead of the season-opening Grand Slam, Martinez lifted silverware at the Bengaluru Open 2026, dropping just a single set along the way.

'History-making a great motivation' as Djokovic hits 100 Australian Open wins

Video credit: TNT Sports

Having not faced a single player ranked inside the top 100 during that run, he immediately appeared suffocated by Djokovic's cultured baseline game - he did manage to stave off another break point to get himself on the board, but exasperated discussions with his coaching box showed the monumental effort he was being tasked with.

The world No. 71 defended two break points which could have sealed the opening set - delaying the inevitable as another comprehensive service game put Djokovic in the driving seat.

The 24-time major winner seized an advantage in the second set when he broke his opponent to 30 and held to love for a 3-1 lead - forcing Martinez into a high-risk game and reaping the rewards.

• 'Amazing' Djokovic faces Australian Open 'problem' - McEnroe
• How Gauff overcame head-to-head she 'felt really bad about' and can now 'play free'

Djokovic gave up only five points on serve throughout the entirety of the match, just a single point in the second set and took another step closer to victory when he broke Martinez for the third time in the match for a two-set lead.

He struck the final blow when he superbly dropped the Spaniard on the approach to break for 5-2, and astutely served out the match before soaking up the adulation of the capacity crowd.

Djokovic said he was happy with his performance and his fitness at the beginning of the tournament, and that he would be devoting "every hour" of his off-court time to nurture his body in hope of challenging for the title.

Watch as very late call gives everyone the giggles at Australian Open

Video credit: TNT Sports

"It always feels good at the beginning of the tournament," Djokovic said. "Let’s see how I progress. I cannot complain about tonight’s performance.

"I served really well, to kick-start the competition in the right way on the right note and send the right signal, not just to yourself but your opponents too.

"I have a couple of days without a match, recover my body, I’m using every hour I can to get my body in shape. Let’s hope for the best."

Djokovic will face Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli - who beat Terence Atmane over five sets - in the second round.

---

Stream every match of the 2026 Australian Open live and on-demand on discovery+

Australian Open

Why Alcaraz has ‘tennis world at his feet’ after 'outstanding' Australian Open triumph

01/02/2026 at 16:29

Australian Open Men's Singles -

'It's been a great ride' - Djokovic ponders 'what-if scenarios' after defeat in final

01/02/2026 at 15:23