Novak Djokovic sent 141st-ranked qualifier Francesco Maestrelli packing in straight sets to ease into the Australian Open third round on Thursday — with a little help from his favourite tree.
The Serbian great is on his latest mission to win a record 25th Grand Slam title and dismissed the Italian 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, before paying tribute to the Brazilian fig tree at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Victoria, Melbourne that he always visits and hugs at the start of each Australian Open.
‘It’s my oldest friend’
“That [the fig tree] is my oldest friend here in Melbourne,” said Djokovic, who has won 10 Australian Open titles, more than anyone in history. “He has been there to heal my wounds and give me company. It’s a beautiful connection, nature is such a powerful ally. We have a friendship going over 20 years,” said Djokovic.
The relationship with the special tree began with Djokovic’s decision to meditate under it as part of his training regimen in 2005. Incidentally, his first Grand Slam victory was at the Australian Open in 2008.
Djokovic faces 75th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands next.
Sinner soars into Rd 3
Meanwhile, defending champions Jannik Sinner also eased into the third round with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over Australia’s James Duckworth.
In the women’s singles event, reigning champion Madison Keys said she drew on her experience as defending champion to pull through a difficult moment and make the third round.
Keys blew hot and cold against fellow American Ashlyn Krueger before getting over the line 6-1, 7-5.
“In those tough moments you just have to remind yourself that you have been here before, you figured it out,” Keys said.
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