Novak Djokovic's opponent Tomas Machac opts to keep "secret" preparations under wraps ahead of Australian Open 3R

Tomas Machac chose to keep his game plan a secret ahead of his potential third-round clash with Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open. Machac advanced with a second-round win over Riley Opelka, while Djokovic triumphed after a tough battle against Jaime Faria.

During his post-match press conference, Machac was still unaware of his third-round opponent, as the Djokovic vs Faria match was ongoing. When asked about his potential game plan against the Serb, Machac declined to reveal details, referring to his strategy as a "secret."

"I will not show up with my game preparation, right now, it will be secret [laughing]. No, with Novak, you never know. He’s not one of the best—he’s the best, so you never know with this guy. I’ll try to play my game. Let’s see what’s going to happen. Really, you don’t know. He’s the best," Machac said.

Djokovic got the better of 21-year-old debutant Faria 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2. The Portuguese put up a strong fight and earned plaudits from his 24-time Grand Slam champion opponent.

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Tomas Machac says he will think about his Australian Open 3R tie against Novak Djokovic after he retires

Tomas Machac at the 2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

During the same press conference, Tomas Machac was reminded about his victories over Novak Djokovic and his coach Andy Murray last year. The Czech player responded:

"I definitely, I will enjoy it, that Andy is sitting on his bench, and I will play against Novak. It will really, it will be really a thing to think about when I stop playing tennis, so I will really remember that moment if I will play against Novak."

Machac went up against Murray twice last year and won both matches. He defeated the Brit in Marseille 7-5, 6-4 before getting the better of him in the Masters 1000 event in Miami 5-7, 7-5, 7-6(5).

Against Djokovic, Machac holds a 1-1 head-to-head record. The Serb won their first battle in Dubai in 2023 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(1). In 2024, the Czech emerged triumphant after a topsy-turvy semifinal against the Serb in Geneva 6-4, 0-6, 6-1.

Machac is vying for his first fourth-round appearance in Melbourne with his best, a third-round finish, coming last year. He was defeated by Karen Khachanov at the 2024 Australian Open.

Meanwhile, Djokovic is hunting a record-extending 11th Australian Open title, which, in turn, would also be his 25th Grand Slam title, and a 100th Tour-level title.