Novak Djokovic cruised past Italy's Francesco Maestrelli in straight sets to secure his spot in the Australian Open third round. The victory keeps his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title firmly on track, moving him one closer to surpassing Margaret Court's all-time mark.

This early-round win is a routine but crucial step for the defending champion in Melbourne. Djokovic's dominant performance, marked by efficient serving and baseline control, reinforces his status as the tournament favorite and eases any lingering concerns about his form or fitness heading into the later stages.

The path now opens for a potential showdown with higher-seeded opponents. With each victory, the pressure mounts on the Serbian legend to continue his historic pursuit, making every subsequent match a high-stakes chapter in his remarkable career.