‘Grand Slam wins are what count’: Djokovic tally edges Federer

He pulled ahead of his ‘Big Three’ rival Roger Federer, a man who he duelled with in a quartet of Australian Open semifinals.

“This sport has always been giving me so much in my life, an opportunity to play at the Grand Slams,” Djokovic said to reporters. “I try not to take it for granted after great achievements that I’m very proud of.

“Of course, Grand Slam matches and Grand Slam wins are what count the most in our sport. I’m very thrilled with that.”

Djokovic took somewhat of a winding road on Wednesday to get the better of the 21-year-old Portuguese qualifier, who had never won a top-tier tennis match or featured in a Grand Slam main draw before arriving in Melbourne.

A set and break lead dissipated, although Djokovic won a remarkable cat-and-mouse point the way his coach, Andy Murray, used to, during the drama of the second set.

He scrambled, defended instinctively, struck a lob, then finished the point up at the net.

“It’s always tricky to play these kind of opponents, mentally to sustain that level,” Djokovic said. “Obviously you don’t know whether they’re maybe going to fold under the pressure of playing on the centre court or they’re actually going to go the different way.

“A great test for me. I wish maybe I stayed a set less on the court.”