Djokovic eases past qualifier as Keys books third round berth

MELBOURNE, Jan 22 : Novak Djokovic brushed aside Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli 6-3 6-2 6-2 on Thursday to reach the Australian Open third round, as women's champion Madison Keys overcame a second-set wobble against Ashlyn Krueger to also advance.

Fourth seed Djokovic, seeking a record-extending 11th Melbourne Park title and 25th Grand Slam trophy overall to break the deadlock with Margaret Court, maintained his steady grip on the second-round clash without needing to shift into top gear.

"I didn't know much about him (Maestrelli) until a few days ago, it happens more often than not these days," Djokovic said about his 23-year-old opponent.

"But the respect is always there and I didn't underestimate him. He's got a big serve and a big game, only lacking a bit of experience. He's got the game to go far and high in the world rankings and I wish him that."

Djokovic, 38, raced through the opening set and pounced again in the opening game of the second set to heap pressure on world number 141 Maestrelli.

The win was Djokovic's 399th Grand Slam match victory, and his 101st in Melbourne, leaving him one shy of record‑holder Roger Federer. Djokovic will next meet Botic van de Zandschulp.

MUSETTI DOWNS PAL SONEGO IN STRAIGHT SETS

Lorenzo Musetti, the fifth seed, won the battle of the Italians on Margaret Court Arena as he defeated Lorenzo Sonego 6-3 6-3 6-4 and will next face either Stefano Tsitsipas or Tomas Machac.

"It was not an easy match to prepare, to play, and to deal with because Lorenzo is one of my best friends on tour," said Musetti.

"We recently had a title together in doubles, so we shared a lot of nice memories, so it's not easy to separate those things in the court."

Eighth seeded Ben Shelton had few issues against