Novak Djokovic swept past Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in commanding fashion on Thursday, recording a 6-3 6-2 6-2 triumph at the Australian Open, but his demenour following the contest bemused John McEnroe.
The Serbian star conceded just seven games throughout the encounter, claiming his 399th career victory at Grand Slam level.
It marks the first occasion since 2019 that the world number three has progressed through the opening two rounds in Melbourne without surrendering a set.
Djokovic broke his opponent's serve early in the opening set before attacking twice more in the second, whilst remaining impeccable on his own delivery.
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The 38-year-old will now face Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round on Saturday.
McEnroe observed that Djokovic appeared somewhat unsettled despite the straightforward nature of his victory.
The US tennis legend told TNT Sports: "He looked a little irritable for some reason. I'm not quite sure why, because it was never close."
The American legend acknowledged the performance ranked among the less impressive displays he has witnessed from the Serbian, though stressed it was ultimately inconsequential given the outcome.
Novak Djokovic swept past Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in commanding fashion on Thursday
|GETTY
Concerns persist about whether Djokovic can replicate this sharpness in the tournament's latter stages, particularly following last year's semi-final withdrawal against Alexander Zverev due to a torn muscle.
The 38-year-old had not competed since early November, having pulled out of the Adelaide International over fitness worries.
Boris Becker offered a markedly different perspective on the Serbian's prospects in Melbourne.
Becker said: "Everything is going perfectly for him."
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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 | GETTYThe German former champion highlighted that physical fatigue before the semi-final stage had plagued Djokovic at recent major tournaments.
However, he suggested this pattern appears to have shifted.
Becker explained: "His problem at previous Grand Slams was always that he was already physically exhausted before the semi-finals. That doesn't seem to be the case at the moment."
He noted that Djokovic seemed notably at ease following his second-round success, presenting a stark contrast to McEnroe's assessment of the 24-time Grand Slam winner's demeanour.
Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PADjokovic expressed satisfaction with his display when speaking to TNT Sports' Laura Robson after the match.
He said: "I'm glad it's coming along. In the first couple of matches, you're always kind of testing yourself, your body, seeing how you feel."
The Serbian revealed he had been without competitive action for over two months, making his eagerness to return to tournament play all the more pronounced.
He also acknowledged the challenging conditions in Melbourne, describing this year's wind as particularly extreme.
Djokovic said: "It took me a little bit of time to kind of get used to the pace, but overall, it was a solid performance."
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