Djokovic’s Australian Open Win: Keys to His Success

Novak Djokovic is not in the Open the Australia to walk around, he is ready to fight for his eleventh title in Melbourne and his long-awaited 25th Grand Slam. This was demonstrated in his spectacular debut against Pedro Martínez, to whom he did not give even the slightest option.

He appeared at the Rod Laver Arena on Novak Djokovic of yesteryear, the one who before going out on the court knew he was the winner with a match of ten at 38 years old. A sharp forehand, a deep backhand and, above all, an excellent serve, so much so that Martínez could only get five points from the rest in the three sets of the match (6-3, 6-2, 6-2).

But what stood out most, in addition to his excellent service, was the freshness and physical agility that he showed, after the last stretch of last season, where he used to show physical ailments in almost every game, this time, it was the opposite. And in the press conference after his victory he explained the reason for this.

Novak Djokovic gives the key to his resounding victory in the first round of the Australian Open 2026

“I’m glad I gave that impression, because that’s how I felt and that’s how I played: very fresh and very motivated, and that was reflected positively in the game, which was really very good. The serve worked practically perfectly, I didn’t give it any chances.”

“Obviously, life on the court is easier when you serve so well. You are more liberated and in the rest games you can put more pressure on the opponent’s serve, get closer to the line and play more aggressively, which was exactly what happened. He tried to change the rhythm and tempo of the match, he played serve and volley, drop shots, sliced shots and so on. He tried everything; he is not a specialist player on this surface, he likes clay, but he is a fighter and he is someone who deserves everything respect.”

It didn’t feel fresher than at other beginnings of the year.

“I knew that tonight I was going to have more time than against other players from the back of the court and I made the most of it to be very aggressive and set the pace of the game. Was I fresher today than any other year in the last decade? I think not. Generally, I am fresh when I play the first rounds here, practically every year.”

“I don’t remember ever being especially tired, because it’s the start of the season. Last year, for example, I played three matches in Brisbane, but normally I always get here on time, I train well the week before the start of the Australian Open, so I’m fresh and also motivated, like everyone else, to start the year in the best way.”

His great physique was accompanied by extra motivation

“The fact that my best results have been precisely in this Grand Slam and on this court, without a doubt awakens memories and sensations that provide additional inspiration every time I jump onto the court.”

Grateful for the support of the Rod Laver Arena

“It was a perfect night in every way. The atmosphere was fantastic. I had so many fans, you saw a lot of Serbian flags in the stands. Not only from our people from the diaspora, but also from foreigners who were carrying Serbian flags, something that especially moved me. I am very grateful for that support and I invite you to keep coming, because I really need it. I always feel that extra drive, that energy that inspires me to play my best tennis.”

“It is much nicer to compete when you have support. As for the Australian public, for me it is unpredictable: there were years in which they supported me and others in which they did not. But the most important thing is that I maintain the level of concentration and performance like tonight, and then everything will be worth it,” says a Novak Djokovic that starts this Open the Australia with a clear warning: he wants the title.