Air Novak? Grand slam legend turns back clock with highlight-filled night

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Maybe it was all an elaborate ruse.

Novak Djokovic spent the days before the Australian Open started telling everyone that he no longer moved like his prime – after withdrawing from the Adelaide International – and was trying to find ways to “hide” his weaknesses as he prepares to turn 39 in May.

Novak Djokovic produce a virtuoso performance to kick-start his 21st Australian Open campaign.

The problem for Djokovic’s first-round opponent Pedro Martinez at his Rod Laver Arena fortress on Monday night was that enough of his extraordinary elasticity remains.

The 24-time grand slam-winning legend lived up to his billing as the greatest title danger to new kingpins Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who he continues to believe he can beat, with a virtuoso performance complete with stunning acts of brilliance.

Martinez was largely helpless – and not for a lack of trying – as Djokovic began his record-equalling 21st main draw appearance at the Melbourne major with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Martinez in exactly two hours that impressed even him.

And how could he, or anybody, not be? Djokovic landed a healthy 77 per cent of his first serves, and lost only five service points (three on first serves, two on second), in what was his 100th match win at the Australian Open.

“What can I say? I like the sound of it. It’s a nice feeling to be a centurion,” Djokovic said, celebrating a feat he had already achieved at both Wimbledon and Roland-Garros.

The former world No.1 was glued to the big screen as it played his greatest Melbourne Park hits, from qualifying for the first time in 2005 to winning the first of his 10 titles three years later and beyond.

“It always feels good at the beginning of the tournament, so let’s see how I progress,” he said.

“Tonight’s performance was definitely great – I can’t complain about anything. I served very well. It’s always a challenge to kick-start the tournament on the right note and send the right signals, not just to yourself, but all your opponents watching you play.

“Now, I get a couple of days without a match to recover my body, and get in shape for the next challenge.”

That challenge will be Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli, whose reward for a come-from-behind five-set victory over France’s Terence Atmane is a centre-court date with Djokovic.

Maestrelli was hopefully not watching when a grin broke out across Djokovic’s face after he leapt into the air and swatted an obscene 176km/h forehand winner in the third set that left his Head racquet like a rocket. The crowd erupted, and John Millman delivered a worthy line in commentary – “Air Novak” – to match the moment.

Afterwards, Djokovic said the first thought that popped into his mind was French human-highlight-reel Gael Monfils, who is famous for athletic and audacious shot-making like that.

“I didn’t hit too many of those in my career – but Gael did,” he said. “We’ve seen him so many times in highlights. When I did that, he crossed my mind first. I was like, ‘Now I know how he feels’.”

It was the highlight of a night laced with them, almost exclusively from Djokovic’s blade.

A set earlier, the king of Melbourne Park ripped a 151km/h crosscourt forehand winner past a hapless Martinez at the net. He consistently dwarfed the Spaniard with his forehand velocity throughout the lopsided contest.

Djokovic sizzled 49 winners in total to Martinez’s modest 14, but the disparity was 16-3 on forehand groundstrokes.

That ferocious forehand came only a couple of points after Djokovic dug out a low backhand then backed up to slide into a forehand that he narrowly failed to retrieve. Djokovic losing the point did not dull Millman’s enthusiasm: “It’s ridiculous he still moves like that at 38. Are you serious?”

Ever the showman, Djokovic made sure to provide a standout moment in set one, too.

After the Serb dished up a backhand slice, Martinez forced him to sprint all the way across court to hit his next shot – but Djokovic was up to it. Knowing he had to go for an all-or-nothing winner, an outstretched Djokovic slapped a forehand that roared across court to bring up set point.

The 10-time Australian Open champion pumped his fist, then went again, with a pullback the second time.

Millman’s Nine commentary partner Brenton Speed’s snappy line followed: “Use that pose for the statue.”

The comment was in reference to this masthead’s pre-tournament interview with Djokovic, during which he was asked how he would feel if a statue was erected at Melbourne Park in his honour, as Open boss Craig Tiley said last year he was open to.