Novak Djokovic swept past Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in commanding fashion on Thursday, securing his place in the Australian Open third round with a 6-3 6-2 6-2 triumph, before later opening up on an unusual 'friendship' with a fig tree.
The Serbian veteran, now 38, required just over two hours to dispatch his opponent in what was their first ever encounter on the ATP Tour.
Victory keeps alive Djokovic's quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam crown, which would see him move clear of Margaret Court's all-time record that he currently shares.
The 10-time Australian Open champion will next meet Botic Van De Zandschulp as he continues his Melbourne Park campaign.
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Speaking in his on-court interview, Djokovic revealed an unusual pre-tournament tradition involving what he described as his "oldest friend in Melbourne" – a Brazilian fig tree located in the city's Botanical Gardens.
"He's been here always to heal my wounds, to give me company when I didn't want anybody else's company," Djokovic explained of the tree he has visited before each Australian Open for two decades.
The Serbian praised Melbourne's green spaces, calling the Botanical Gardens "by far my favourite place" and describing them as among the finest urban parks he has encountered anywhere in the world.
Novak Djokovic swept past Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in commanding fashion on Thursday, securing his place in the Australian Open third round with a 6-3 6-2 6-2 triumph, before later opening up on an unusual 'friendship' with a fig tree
|GETTY
"It's a beautiful connection. Nature is such a powerful ally, we sometimes forget about it in this fast-paced life," he added.
Djokovic asserted his authority from the outset, breaking Maestrelli's serve immediately in the opening set to establish control of the contest.
The second set saw the Serbian break twice while proving impregnable on his own delivery, giving his Italian opponent little opportunity to gain a foothold in the match.
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Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PAA clinical break to love early in the decider extended Djokovic's stranglehold, and though he conceded his serve for the first time in the tournament, it proved merely a footnote as he broke back immediately.
The 38-year-old closed out proceedings with characteristic efficiency, never allowing the inexperienced Maestrelli to threaten an upset.
Djokovic admitted he had only learned about his opponent the day before their meeting, noting this has become increasingly common as he reduces his tournament schedule while new talent emerges on tour.
"Nevertheless, respect is always there. I don't underestimate anyone," he said of Maestrelli.
Novak Djokovic is through to the third round of the Australian Open as he chases a 25th Grand Slam title
| REUTERS"He's got a big serve, big game.
"He's lacking experience on the big stage, but he's got the game to go far and high in the rankings. I wish him that."
The Dutchman Van De Zandschulp now awaits in round three as Djokovic continues his pursuit of Grand Slam history.
Van De Zandschulp booked his place in the third round with a comfortable win over Shang Juncheng.