In a remarkable display of longevity and skill, Novak Djokovic led a record-setting day for tennis's veteran stars at the Australian Open, securing his 100th victory at the Melbourne tournament.
Djokovic Joins Exclusive 'Centurion' Club
The Serbian legend, aged 38, began his campaign for a historic 25th grand slam title with a commanding 6-3 6-2 6-2 win over Spain's Pedro Martinez. The world number 71 could do little as Djokovic dropped a mere five points on his serve throughout the match.
This milestone victory sees Djokovic join the retired Roger Federer as the only players to have reached a century of wins at the Australian Open. Reflecting on the achievement, Djokovic said, "I like the sound of it - centurion is pretty nice. History-making is great motivation, particularly in the last five to 10 years of my career."
The win also tied Federer and Feliciano Lopez's record of 81 grand slam appearances. Djokovic now boasts over 100 wins at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, with 95 at the US Open.
Wawrinka and Cilic Celebrate Veteran Triumphs
Djokovic's success was part of a stellar day for the sport's older generation. Swiss star Stan Wawrinka, who will retire at the end of the season, became the second-oldest man ever to win a match at the Australian Open at 40 years old.
The three-time grand slam champion, and 2014 Australian Open winner, secured his first victory at the tournament in five years, defeating Laslo Djere 5-7 6-3 6-4 7-6(4). Currently ranked 139th in the world and playing on a wildcard, Wawrinka acknowledged his changed circumstances. "I know I'm not as good as I was before... I'm getting old. But I'm still happy with what I'm doing," he stated.
Meanwhile, 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic, aged 37, delivered a masterclass, winning the first 12 games consecutively in his 6-0 6-0 7-6(3) rout of Daniel Altmaier.
Focus Turns to Future Challenges
Despite the celebratory milestones, Djokovic remains focused on the tough path ahead in Melbourne, where he could face defending champion Jannik Sinner and top seed Carlos Alcaraz in later rounds. "I was very fortunate early on in my career to encounter people who taught me... to play the long shot, to take care of my body and mind," Djokovic explained, highlighting the philosophy behind his enduring career.
He believes he can challenge the dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner, having reached all four grand slam semi-finals last season. "Performance-wise, the feeling on the court, it was great. I couldn't ask for more," he said after his first competitive match of 2026.
Djokovic now prepares to face Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in the second round.
British Hopes Suffer Early Blow
In other news from Melbourne, British hopes were dampened as Fran Jones retired in tears from her first-round match due to a gluteal injury. The British number three, who has overcome significant physical challenges related to a genetic condition, was trailing 6-2 3-2 against Polish qualifier Linda Klimovicova when she withdrew.
"It kills me that it's here because, this slam, I absolutely adore," an emotional Jones said. She recently hit a career-high ranking of 69.
Fellow Briton Jacob Fearnley also exited in the first round, losing to Poland's Kamil Majchrzak 7-6 (2) 7-5 3-6 7-6 (3).
