John McEnroe and Boris Becker deliver verdict on 'irritable' Novak Djokovic after win over Francesco Maestrelli at Australian Open
Published 22/01/2026 at 09:39 GMT
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John McEnroe raised questions about Novak Djokovic's demeanour during the Serb's straight-sets victory over Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli on Thursday. The 38-year-old has yet to drop a set in the opening two rounds in Melbourne, but McEnroe also wonders if Djokovic can maintain this level deep in the tournament, having struggled with niggles in the build-up to the Grand Slam.
'He did what he had to do' says McEnroe after Djokovic wins with ease
Video credit: TNT Sports
John McEnroe labelled Novak Djokovic "a little irritable" despite another routine Australian Open victory, as the Serb continued his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam.
Djokovic cruised past Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli 6-3 6-2 6-2, dropping only seven games, for his 399th Grand Slam singles win to set up a third-round match with Botic van de Zandschulp on Saturday.
He made light work of Maestrelli, asserting himself with an early break before twice attacking the Italian’s serve in the second set, while staying flawless behind his own.
It is the first time since 2019 that Djokovic has not dropped a set in the opening two rounds at the Australian Open.
McEnroe, however, suggested the world No. 3 did not appear entirely satisfied with his afternoon’s work.
"I’ve watched him probably play about a thousand times, so that would be on the lower echelon of impressed, but I don't think it mattered," McEnroe told TNT Sports.
"He did what he had to do, and he's done that a couple hundred times. He's fine.
"He looked a little irritable for some reason. I'm not quite sure why, because it was never close… I was always so upbeat and positive."
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Highlights: Dominant Djokovic downs Maestrelli to surge through to third round
Video credit: TNT Sports
The 38-year-old has looked sharp so far in Melbourne, but questions remain about whether Djokovic can maintain that level deep into the tournament, with last year’s semi-final withdrawal against Alexander Zverev due to a torn muscle still fresh in the memory.
That followed an epic four-set victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-final despite visibly struggling with an upper left leg problem.
Djokovic entered the tournament having not played a match since early November after withdrawing from the Adelaide International citing concerns about his fitness.
"He looked amazing for 38, I'll tell you that," said McEnroe. "Winning early is the most important factor.
"We say that now but remember the US Open, he did exactly that, and then he had two days off before he played the semis, and he looked spent. So, I don't know if it matters that much.
"If you're one of the top guys, you don't want to play a couple of best-of-five-set matches in the first week, and your energy's gone the second week.
"He is legit No. 3 in the world, so can he handle that going forward? If he can do it this year, would he keep playing next year?"
Tim Henman added: "It’s almost impossible to make judgements because we’ve never had someone at 38 who’s still playing so consistently getting through to the latter stages."
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'I've done well' says Djokovic as he makes third round with 'solid performance'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Boris Becker, however, struck a more optimistic note, suggesting this year’s tournament is unfolding far more smoothly for the Serb.
"Everything is going perfectly for him," said Becker. "His problem at previous Grand Slams was always that he was already physically exhausted before the semi-finals.
"That doesn't seem to be the case at the moment. He is obviously very relaxed after his victory in the second round."
In his post-match interview, Djokovic told TNT Sports’ Laura Robson that he was pleased with his performance.
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"I’m glad it’s coming along," he said. "In the first couple of matches, you’re always kind of testing yourself, your body, seeing how you feel.
"I haven't played an official match for, well, over two months, actually. I was really looking forward to kick starting the competitive play, and I think I've done well.
"Obviously, it’s a completely different tournament - playing at night and during the day. I mean, it's always windy in Melbourne, but this year is out of control, honestly.
"It’s just a different opponent, obviously. It took me a little bit of time to kind of get used to the pace, but overall, it was a solid performance."
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