Djokovic, after his exhibition of serving against Martínez: "Life on the court is easier when you serve so well"

Novak Djokovic is not at the Australian Open to just stroll around; he is here to fight for his eleventh title in Melbourne and his coveted 25th Grand Slam. This is exactly what he demonstrated in his spectacular debut against Pedro Martínez, to whom he gave not even the slightest chance.

The Novak Djokovic of yesteryears appeared at the Rod Laver Arena, the one who, before stepping onto the court, knew he was the victor at 38. A sharp forehand, a deep backhand, and above all, an excellent service, so much so that Martínez only managed to win five points on return in the three sets of the match (6-3, 6-2, 6-2). 

But the most remarkable thing, besides his excellent service, was the freshness and physical agility he displayed, unlike the last stretch of the previous season where he often showed physical discomfort in almost every match. This time, it was the opposite. In the press conference following his victory, he explained the reason for this.

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

"I'm glad that was the impression because that's how I felt and how I played: very fresh and highly motivated, and it manifested positively in my game, which was truly very good. The service worked almost perfectly; I didn't give him any chances."

"Obviously, life on the court is easier when you serve so well. You feel more liberated, and in return games, you can press the opponent's service more, stand closer to the line, and play more aggressively, which is exactly what happened. He tried to change the rhythm and tempo of the match, playing serve and volley, drop shots, slices, and more. He tried everything; he's not a specialist on this surface, he prefers clay, but he's a fighter and someone who deserves all the respect."

He didn't feel fresher than in other starts of the year

"I knew tonight I'd have more time from the baseline than with other players, and I took full advantage to be very aggressive and set the pace of the game. Was I fresher today than any other year in the last decade? I don't think so. Usually, I'm fresh when I play the early rounds here almost every year."

"I don't recall ever being particularly tired because it's the start of the season. Last year, for example, I played three matches in Brisbane, but normally, I always arrive here with time, train well the week before the start of the Australian Open, so I have freshness and also motivation, like everyone, to start the year off in the best way."

His great physical condition was accompanied by extra motivation

"The fact that my best results have been precisely in this Grand Slam and on this court certainly evokes memories and feelings that provide additional inspiration every time I step 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 many fans, and there were many Serbian flags in the stands. Not only from our diaspora but also from foreigners carrying Serbian flags, something that particularly moved me. I am very grateful for that support and I invite them to keep coming, because I really need it. I always feel that extra push, that energy that inspires me to play my best tennis."

"It's much nicer to compete when you have support. As for the Australian crowd, for me, it's unpredictable: there were years when they supported me and others when they didn't. But what's most important is that I maintain the level of concentration and performance like tonight, and then everything will be worth it," concludes a Novak Djokovic who starts this Australian Open with a clear message: he wants the title.
 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic, tras su exhibición al servicio ante Martínez: "La vida en la pista es más fácil cuando sacas tan bien"