At 38 years old, Novak Djokovic once again reminded the tennis world why he remains one of the sport’s most formidable competitors, producing a moment of pure magic during his 100th match win at the Australian Open. In his opening-round victory at the 2026 Australian Open in Melbourne, Djokovic unleashed an outrageous airborne winner, launching himself into the air and hammering a blistering shot that left fans and commentators in awe, a highlight that perfectly encapsulated his blend of athleticism and elite shot-making.
A milestone victory at Melbourne Park
Djokovic’s first-round match against Spain’s Pedro Martínez at the Rod Laver Arena ended in a straight-sets win, with the Serbian recording a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory. The triumph marked his 100th match win at the Australian Open, a feat achieved by only a select few in tennis history and one that adds to his towering achievements in Melbourne Park. As he continues his quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, this milestone win underlined his enduring dominance at this tournament.
The magic moment
The viral shot occurred when Djokovic chased down a deep ball before leaping off the ground and unleashing a rocket-like 109mph winner that dipped brilliantly inside the baseline. The crowd erupted as replays showed the sheer timing and precision of the strike, not only a winning shot, but a reminder that even at 38, Djokovic’s athleticism and competitive instinct remain elite.
The shot quickly spread across social media, with fans describing it as a moment of pure magic and another example of why Djokovic’s highlight reel continues to grow year after year.
What this means for Djokovic’s legacy
By achieving 100 match wins at the Australian Open, Djokovic becomes only the second player with this feat after Roger Federer, solidifying his status as one of the most successful players at Melbourne Park. Notably, he has become the first player with 100-plus match wins at three different Grand Slams, having already achieve the same at French Open & Wimbledon.
Despite occasional questions about age and fitness, Djokovic’s performance, highlighted by his sensational winner, proved that his competitive fire remains undiminished. As the tournament progresses, his blend of experience, tactical brilliance and breathtaking shot-making continues to captivate fans and challenge the next generation of stars.
