Melbourne, Australia – Novak Djokovic and defending champion Madison Keys advanced to the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday, alongside Iga Swiatek and several other seeded players. The tournament continues to draw large crowds at Melbourne Park, with a moment of silence held for the victims of the recent Bondi Beach tragedy. The focus now shifts to the continued progress of top contenders as they navigate the early stages of the Grand Slam event.
Djokovic, aiming for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, displayed dominant form in a straight-sets victory. Meanwhile, Keys overcame a challenging second set to secure her place in the next round, despite admitting to lingering nerves following her title win last year.
Djokovic Cruises, Keys Battles Through to Australian Open Third Round
Novak Djokovic continued his pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam title with a commanding 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over qualifier Francesco Maestrelli. The 38-year-old Serbian, a ten-time Australian Open champion, appeared comfortable on Rod Laver Arena, showcasing the form that has made him a perennial threat in major tournaments. He will next face Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands.
Djokovic’s preparation for the tournament has been notable, extending beyond traditional training methods. He revealed a long-standing “friendship” with a Brazilian fig tree in Melbourne’s botanical gardens, a ritual he credits with providing solace and rejuvenation. This unconventional approach highlights the mental and emotional aspects of his game.
Defending champion Madison Keys had a more arduous path to the third round, ultimately defeating fellow American Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 7-5. Keys, who upset Aryna Sabalenka in the 2024 final, acknowledged a slow start and a mid-match dip in form, but ultimately rallied to secure the victory. She will now compete against Karolina Pliskova.
Other Notable Results
Second seed Iga Swiatek also advanced with a straightforward 6-2, 6-3 win over Marie Bouzkova. The Polish player, a six-time Grand Slam champion, is seeking her first Australian Open title. Additionally, American Jessica Pegula defeated her doubles partner McCartney Kessler 6-0, 6-2, while Amanda Anisimova secured a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Katerina Siniakova.
However, there were upsets as well. Spain’s Paula Badosa, a semi-finalist last year, was defeated by Russia’s Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-4, 6-4. In the men’s draw, Lorenzo Musetti and Ben Shelton both recorded comfortable wins, while 20-year-old Jakub Mensik continued his impressive run with a victory over Rafael Jodar.
Jannik Sinner, the men’s title holder, is scheduled to play later on Thursday against James Duckworth. Sinner had a quick start to his title defense, with his first-round opponent retiring while Sinner was comfortably ahead. The Italian will be a heavy favorite, but can expect a challenging atmosphere with a strong home crowd supporting Duckworth. The tournament is also seeing increased attention to WTA rankings as players vie for crucial points.
The early rounds of the Australian Open have also been marked by discussions surrounding player fitness and the impact of the heat on matches. Organizers have implemented the Extreme Heat Policy on several occasions, allowing for extended breaks and adjustments to the schedule. Tournament officials are closely monitoring conditions to ensure player safety.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on whether the top seeds can maintain their momentum and avoid further upsets. The second week of the tournament promises intense competition as players battle for a place in the quarter-finals and beyond. The unpredictable nature of Grand Slam events means that surprises are always possible, and fans will be eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama. The draw remains open, and the potential for new champions is still very much alive.
