Former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, Lorenzo Musetti and Ben Shelton all clinched comfortable straight-sets victories in their second-round matches at the Australian Open on the fifth day of the season’s first Grand Slam.
Djokovic defeated qualifier Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena, while Musetti overcame fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in the opening session at Margaret Court Arena. Shelton, also facing a qualifier in Dane Sweeny, earned a win at John Cain Arena with an identical scoreline to Djokovic’s.
The 10-time champion Djokovic wrapped up his match in 2 hours and 15 minutes, displaying efficient movement and clean ball-striking throughout, signalling strong early form in the tournament.
The Serbian now stands one win away from reaching 400 career victories at Grand Slam level. A win against either Botic van de Zandschulp or Shang Juncheng in the next round would see him become the first player in history to achieve the milestone.
While Van de Zandschulp famously upset Djokovic last year at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells, Djokovic has yet to face Shang on tour.
Competing at Melbourne Park for the 21st time, Djokovic is projected to face Musetti in the quarter-finals, with a potential semi-final clash against two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner.
Musetti recorded his best result at the season’s first major by defeating Sonego 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. The fifth seed created 23 break-point opportunities and converted six of them.
The 23-year-old Italian will next face either 31st seed Stefanos Tsitsipas or Czech player Tomas Machac.
Shelton, meanwhile, handled the pressure of favouritism with ease, producing a dominant performance against world No. 182 Sweeny. He took early control to win the opening set 6-3, then delivered a near-flawless second set, firing nine aces and winning every point on serve in a rapid 26-minute 6-2 rout.
Although Sweeny briefly challenged in the third set, Shelton raised his level again, winning five straight games to seal a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory. The American finished with 19 aces and 38 winners and will next face 30th seed Valentin Vacherot.
— IANS
