Novak Djokovic races on in Melbourne – with help from ‘ally’ fig tree

MELBOURNE – Novak Djokovic sent 141st-ranked qualifier Francesco Maestrelli packing in straight sets to ease into the Australian Open third round on Jan 22 – with a little help from his favourite tree.

The Serb is on his latest mission to win a record 25th Grand Slam title and dismissed the Italian 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

He faces 75th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands next.

The former world No. 1, who won his first match by the same comprehensive scoreline, said: “Similar feeling on the court of generally positive (performance).”

The fourth seed did not play a warmup tournament and said his longer off-season was paying off.

“I’m really happy I’m able to play this way, considering the lack of competitive matches for more than two months,” the 38-year-old added.

“It’s all been positive so far, positive signs.”

In sunny, but noticeably cooler temperatures than recent days at Melbourne Park, Djokovic appeared determined to get the job done as fast as possible.

Playing in the afternoon on Rod Laver Arena, rather than his usual evening slot, he raced into a 5-2 lead.

Maestrelli doggedly held serve despite facing multiple set points, but it was only delaying the inevitable as Djokovic sealed the opening set in 47 minutes.

The Serb, who has been tied with Margaret Court on 24 Major titles since winning the US Open in 2023, was not quite as devastating as when winning his first-round match against Pedro Martinez.

But he still had far too much for his outclassed 23-year-old opponent as he broke Maestrelli, who was making his Grand Slam debut, to start the second set and cantered into the third round.

Djokovic is known for his sometimes unusual preparations, which include hugging a Brazilian fig tree in the nearby botanical gardens.

“That is my oldest friend here in Melbourne,” said the veteran, who has won 10 Australian Open titles, more than anyone in history.

“He has been there to heal my wounds and give me company. It’s a beautiful connection, nature is such a powerful ally. We have a friendship going over 20 years.”

Meanwhile, he also said that record-breaking crowds were “a very good problem”, despite complaints from some spectators about overcrowding and long queues.

The first Grand Slam of the year has seen bumper attendances, with more than 100,000 streaming through the gates on the first day on Jan 18.

Asked to give his opinion on the issue, Djokovic said: “Having too much crowd on this or any other tennis tournament is a very good problem to have.

“Obviously, we want more attention, more people coming and wanting to watch the tennis live, follow it, live-stream...

“Let’s just imagine if there’s a lack of people coming or that stands are empty.”

Second seed Jannik Sinner also had little trouble keeping his title defence on track, as he defeated Australian James Duckworth 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 on the back of 18 aces.

It was the Italian’s 12th consecutive match without dropping a set, as well as a 17th win on the bounce. He will next take on American Eliot Spizzirri in the third round.

“I’m very happy about my performance. I know he had so many surgeries, so it’s great to see him competing at the highest level,” said Sinner of Duckworth, who has undergone three operations on his elbow, two on his right shoulder, three on his right foot and another significant one on his hip. 

“My body feels good and the mind does too.” AFP