Djokovic vs Maestrelli Australian Open Prediction 1/22/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

Novak Djokovic will face Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in the second round of the 2026 Australian Open on Thursday, January 22. Here’s our Novak Djokovic vs Francesco Maestrelli prediction. This preview will also include a Novak Djokovic vs Francesco Maestrelli pick.

Novak Djokovic vs Francesco Maestrelli Preview

Novak Djokovic is coming off a landmark 100th Australian Open match win. The Serbian was playing in his first match of the 2026 season and he easily defeated Spain’s Pedro Martinez in straight sets in precisely two hours. Djokovic won the first set 6-3, with just one break of serve. The former World No. 1 raised his level in the second set, breaking Martinez twice and holding to love to win the set 6-2. The third set was competitive for only four games before Djokovic broke to lead 3-2. And he broke again for a 5-2 lead before sealing victory in the seventh game.

Djokovic finished the match with 14 aces and not record a single double fault. Djokovic landed 77% of first serves in play and won 93% of first serve points (41/44). Djokovic won 85% of second serve points (11/13) and did not face a single break point. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not lost before the semifinal in Melbourne in each of the last seven editions, winning the tournament a record 10 times.

Francesco Maestrelli backed up his strong qualifying run with the first round upset of Terence Atmane. The Italian trailed by two sets to one before finishing the match on a flourish. Maestrelli dropped just two games combined in the fourth and fifth sets to complete a 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 6-1, 6-1 victory in three hours and 28 minutes. 

Maestrelli recorded 60 winners and 45 unforced errors. That included 28 aces and 8 double faults. He landed 60% of first serves in play and won 81% of first serve points (65/80). Maestrelli won 57% of second serve points (31/54) and saved two of three break points.

Novak Djokovic vs Francesco Maestrelli Head-To-Head

Djokovic and Maestrelli have never met at any level, so this will be their first meeting.

Novak Djokovic vs Francesco Maestrelli Prediction

Djokovic played some scintillating tennis at times in his first-round win and despite being past his peak, Djokovic’s experience is unmatched and he has more ways to win matches while being efficient. There is nothing much in Maestrelli’s game that should worry him.

Nur Said's Pick: Djokovic -8.5 games handicap