Novak Djokovic’s Historic Milestone
In Melbourne, Novak Djokovic continues to etch his name into tennis history as he notched his 400th career victory in Grand Slam singles, making him the first player to ever reach this milestone. Achieving this feat during the Australian Open, Djokovic triumphed over Botic van de Zandschulp with a score of 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) in the third round.
Australian Open Record
This latest win also elevates his impressive Australian Open record to 102 wins against just 10 losses, matching Roger Federer’s longstanding record for most victories at this prestigious tournament.
Pursuit of 25th Grand Slam Title
At 38 years old, the 24-time major champion is in pursuit of his 25th Grand Slam title, which would solidify his position as the most decorated player in tennis history. Djokovic demonstrated complete control during his match against van de Zandschulp, facing a few challenges mainly during the third set, including a slip early on and a couple of set points against him late in the match.
“After a minor medical timeout to address an issue with the ball of his right foot, Djokovic managed to save the set points, showcasing his resilience.”
Maintaining Composure
Despite the crowd’s distraction during key moments, Djokovic relied on the support from fans chanting his name and maintained his composure as he forced a tiebreaker and ultimately won the set. He expressed relief to have been scheduled for a night match, especially considering the tournament’s heat policies were enacted earlier in the day, affecting other players like defending champion Jannik Sinner.
Cautious Approach
Dating back to last year’s Grand Slam events, Djokovic has adopted a more cautious approach, acknowledging that while he has started the 2024 tournament on a strong note, he’s mindful not to get carried away too soon, referencing his injuries at major events last year.
Impressive Career Stats
In addition to his impressive record at the Australian Open, Djokovic had already made history by participating in his 21st Australian Open and 81st Grand Slam, winning his 100th match in Melbourne, further cementing his status as a formidable competitor across all surfaces in tennis. He now boasts over 100 wins on grass at Wimbledon, 102 victories on hard courts at the Australian Open, and 101 on clay at Roland Garros.
