Novak Djokovic v Pedro Martinez live: Australian Open latest score updates as Djokovic begins bid for record title

“There has been a lot of talk about the 25th. I try to focus myself on what I have achieved, not what I’m possibly achieving. I mean, I hope it comes to that, but 24 is also not a bad number. I have to appreciate that and remind myself of the amazing career I had.

“And also, you know, release some of that unnecessary pressure. I mean, obviously there is always pressure and expectations, but I don’t think it’s a make-it-or-break-it type of thing, it’s now-or-never type of mentality. I don’t feel it’s necessary. Neither does that allow me to excel and perform my best.

“I’m just grateful to have another shot, particularly here, a place where I won 10 Grand Slam titles and been consistently playing well and reaching the final stages. Last couple of years also semifinals, ’24 semi-finals, ’25. Had a great win against Carlos in quarters last year.

“I know that when I’m healthy, when I’m able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together on a given day, I feel like I can beat anybody. If I don’t have that self-belief and confidence in myself, I wouldn’t be here definitely sitting here and talking to you guys or competing.

“I still have the drive, and of course I understand that, you know, Sinner and Alcaraz are playing on a different level right now from everybody else. That’s a fact, but that doesn’t mean that nobody else has a chance. So I like my chances always, in any tournament, particularly here.”

Given the dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the continuation of Djokovic’s career is becoming less about the bid to win a 25th grand slam title and more the determination to appreciate what is left.

There was also a retirement on the men’s side – and a big shock at that – as seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime was forced to quit his first-round match against Nuno Borges at the Australian Open.

Auger-Aliassime said he started to cramp at the start of the third set but admitted he couldn’t remember struggling physically so early into his first match at a tournament.

Fran Jones admitted she may need to seek expert physical help after retiring in tears from her first-round match at the Australian Open.

Having arrived in Melbourne unsure whether she would be fit enough to play because of a groin problem, the British number three suffered a gluteal injury in the same right leg after an early stumble against Polish qualifier Linda Klimovicova.

Jones became more emotional as the contest went on and, after seeking medical help early in the second set, she decided she could not continue trailing 6-2 3-2.

Novak Djokovic’s first-round match against Pedro Martinez will follow the women’s singles contest between second seed Iga Swiatek and Yue Yuan.

But it’s the Chinese qualifier who has made the better start, with Yuan taking the opening break. She had a chance to make it a double-break, too, but Swiatek held on.

He will begin his campaign on Rod Laver Arena against Spain’s Pedro Martinez, the world No 71, in the night session. Two-time Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev and home favourite Alex de Minaur, the sixth seed, were also be in action.