Djokovic advances at Aussie Open with 399th Grand Slam match win

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic dropped a service game for the first time in this Australian Open and then didn’t lose another point against Francesco Maestrelli, advancing to the third round with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win Thursday.

It was Djokovic’s 399th win in a Grand Slam singles match, leaving the 24-time major just one more to be the first player ever to reach 400.

The break of serve, in the sixth game of the third set, was almost like a rehearsal for later matches. He followed a second serve to the net but then missed the volley to give it up.

It stung the 38-year-old Djokovic, a noted perfectionist. He broke Maestrelli at love in the next game to take a 5-2 lead, smacking the last ball into the net after the Italian, ranked No. 141, hit a groundstroke long.

He held at love in an eight-point roll to finish things off. Djokovic is in Australia seeking an 11th title at Melbourne Park and a 25th major overall, which would make him the most decorated tennis player of all time.

“I didn’t know much about him until yesterday,” Djokovic said of the 23-year-old Maestrelli, who went through qualifying to make his debut in a Grand Slam main draw. “Nevertheless, respect is always there. I don’t underestimate anyone.

“He’s got a big serve. He’s got a big game. He’s lacking experience on the big stage but he’s got the game to go high.”