Justine Henin picks out 'good sign' for Novak Djokovic after 'terrific' display against Tomas Machac - 'He needs that'

React to this story

Novak Djokovic beat 26th seed Tomas Machac in straight sets to reach the fourth round of the 2025 Australian Open. Djokovic said he played a "terrific match" and Eurosport experts Justine Henin and Tim Henman were both impressed with his display. Henin thinks Djokovic "showed a lot of application and concentration" and sent a message with his reaction to winning.

Henin excited for potential Alcaraz v Djokovic quarter-final

Video credit: TNT Sports

Novak Djokovic produced his best performance so far at the 2025 Australian Open as he beat 26th seed Tomas Machac in straight sets.

Djokovic needed four sets to win both of his opening matches against players ranked outside the top 100.

But against Machac, he said he played a "terrific match" to come through in impressive fashion.

US Open Mixed Doubles -

'We're chasing the title' - Sabalenka reveals 'goal' with Djokovic

03/08/2026 at 12:34

"I always hope, but I didn’t expect to win in straight sets against him, because he’s in red-hot form, and I’m still to find the best tennis myself," said Djokovic afterwards.

"But I prepared myself very well and played a terrific match."

Djokovic is being coached by Andy Murray at the Australian Open as he bids for a record 25th Grand Slam title, live on Eurosport and discovery+.

'It's been a Serbian night!' - Djokovic celebrates after watching Danilovic win

Video credit: TNT Sports

Djokovic could face a daunting path to glory over the next week, but Eurosport expert Justine Henin saw positive signs for him against Machac.

"We talk a lot about his age, his physical condition, but it starts with the motivation and we saw his attitude today," said Henin.

"That was good from him and gave us a sign that he is into the tournament. He was tough with his serve, tough with his opponent, and tough with the crowd.

"From the first point he showed a lot of application and concentration. What he did today is a good sign for Novak, he needs that.

"Sometimes last year he wasn’t so much into it. I think his reaction at the end sends the message ‘I am here guys again in this Australian Open’."

Djokovic next faces 24th seed Jiri Lehecka. If he comes through that, he could set up a quarter-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz, who meets British No. 1 Jack Draper next.

"They want this," Henin said about the potential of a Djokovic v Alcaraz quarter-final.

"They want to play each other and they know how hard they have to work on the court.

"Novak is playing better, he’s into it. It’s the perfect draw for Novak at the moment. Against Machac, the test we expected we didn’t get because Novak played well.

"We would love to see Novak and Carlos fighting against each other one more time."

Eurosport expert Tim Henman thinks Djokovic showed "greater focus" against Machac than in his first two matches.

"He lost a set in both his opening two matches and I felt like today he had to step it up because Machac is a very good player and he dominated proceedings," Henman said.

Sabalenka, Draper, Alcaraz: Watch best shots from Day 6 at Australian Open

Video credit: TNT Sports

"He knew he was playing another seeded player. He knew he couldn’t get off to another slow start."

Djokovic won his only previous meeting against Lehecka at the 2024 United Cup.

However, Lehecka has so far dropped just one set across three matches at the Australian Open and warmed up for the Grand Slam by winning silverware in Brisbane.

Looking ahead to the match, Djokovic said: "Lehecka is one of the fittest guys on the tour, and I think his serve is underestimated. He's a big weapon. Wins a lot of free points in the first serve.

"The more matches you win, the more confident you are, so I'm sure this kind of match-up comes at the right time for him.

Fired-up Djokovic seals place in fourth round - Australian Open highlights

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I'm sure he feels that he can beat me. You know, if we play on center court, night session, it would be a great match-up. I'm looking forward to it.

"I like the way I played tonight, and I can expect another aggressive player that plays very flat, similar to what I experienced tonight, and hopefully the result will be same."

- - -

Watch and stream the 2025 Australian Open live on Eurosport and discovery+

ATP Cincinnati