Novak Djokovic said he is “hanging in there” after making history by becoming the first player to win 400 Grand Slam matches, booking his place in the last 16 of the Australian Open with a straight-sets victory on Saturday.
The 38-year-old Serbian defeated Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) on centre court, extending his own all-time record for match wins at the majors. Roger Federer (369) and Serena Williams (365) are next on the list.
The win was also Djokovic’s 102nd career victory at Melbourne Park, where he has lifted the trophy a record 10 times, drawing him level with Federer for the most Australian Open singles match wins.
Djokovic will face either Jakub Mensik or American debutant Ethan Quinn in the fourth round, with their third-round match delayed due to extreme heat.
‘I’m still around’
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is showing strong early form as he attempts to disrupt the recent dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
“I’m still trying to give these young guys a push for their money,” Djokovic said. “I’m still around. I’m hanging in there.
“Obviously Alcaraz and Sinner are the two best players in the world. They’re playing on a different level from all of us right now.
“But when you enter the court and the ball rolls, you always have a chance — particularly here, on the court that has given me the most in my career.”
Despite the milestone, Djokovic stressed that he was not getting carried away, after reaching the semi-finals at all four Grand Slams last season without advancing further.
“Last year I got too excited too early in some of the Grand Slams,” he said. “I was playing really well, getting to the quarters and semis, and then getting injured in pretty much three out of four.”
Match details and medical scare
Van de Zandschulp, ranked 75th, had beaten Djokovic at Indian Wells last year but never threatened a repeat upset. Djokovic dominated early, breaking serve in the fourth game of the opening set after a gruelling 26-point rally.
He secured another break early in the second set to move 4-2, though his level dipped and frustration became visible. At one point, Djokovic struck a ball towards an advertising hoarding and narrowly missed a ball kid, immediately apologising.
The match tightened in the third set after Djokovic took a tumble and required medical attention to his foot during a timeout. The pair exchanged breaks before the set went to a tiebreak, where Djokovic’s experience proved decisive.
“A few points before, I was planning to see the physio for my blisters,” Djokovic said. “Thankfully, I managed a good fall, if you can say that. Things could’ve been really ugly in that moment.”
Djokovic has been tied with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles since winning the US Open in 2023, and continues his pursuit of further history in Melbourne.
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