Martina Navratilova rates Novak Djokovic's Australian Open run after 3R display against "tough" opponent

Novak Djokovic has begun his Australian Open campaign in commanding fashion, clinching three clinical wins. The WTA legend Martina Navratilova feels the Serb is getting better with each game.

Djokovic, who has won the Australian Open a record 10 times, reached the fourth round of the Melbourne Major after beating Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 on Friday, January 17.

Interestingly, this was the first three-setter Djokovic had played at the year’s first Grand Slam as he dropped sets in the first and second rounds.

Navratilova, while speaking on the Tennis Channel, noted that Djokovic was upping his game as he progressed in the tournament.

“He's been here so many times. You just see the progression, physically, emotionally, mentally. The focus, the intent. He's exactly what he wants to be. Tested well enough, but not too much. He's got plenty of everything in the tank and every match he's playing a little bit better,” said Navratilova.

Machac, seeded 26th, was the highest-ranked opponent Djokovic has faced so far in the tournament but it also proved to be the Serb’s most clinical performance yet. Navratilova added:

“This was a tough three-set match. I thought Machac was going to put up a little bit more, but Djokovic is too good.”

Novak Djokovic enters the Australian Open after a disappointing 2024, where he went the whole year without winning a Grand Slam, but is keen to change things up in 2025.

Novak Djokovic to face Jiri Lehecka in Australian Open 4R

Despite being a 10-time champion, Novak Djokovic is not considered the title favorite by many. Even Alexander Zverev, in the pre-tournament press conference, said that defending champion Jannik Sinner and World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz had a better chance to win the Australian Open.

Djokovic, though, has been in great touch and has not shown any causes of concern yet.

Novak Djokovic celebrates winning a point against Tomas Machac at the 2025 Australian Open. Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic next faces 24th seed Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round on Sunday, January 19. This will be the second time they play each other, after battling at the United Cup earlier this month. Djokovic won the contest 6-1, 6-7(3), 6-1 as Serbia beat Czech Republic 2-1 in the group stage match.

Djokovic will aim to replicate that form, if not better it, as there’s plenty at stake in Melbourne - a shot at a record-extending 11th Australian Open title and a historical 25th Grand Slam title, which would see him go past Margaret Court's record of 24 Majors.