MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic turned things around after losing a set to secure his place in the third round of the Australian Open, achieving a remarkable feat in the process. By defeating Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria, Djokovic sets a new record for most Grand Slam singles matches, surpassing legend Roger Federer.
The 37-year-old Serbian faced a tough challenge against a fearless Faria but ultimately triumphed with a score of 6-1, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-2 over the iconic Rod Wash Arena. The victory sets the stage for a promising clash against No. 26 seed Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic as Djokovic targets another Australian Open title.
With this match, Djokovic reached a significant milestone, marking his 430th match in Grand Slam history, putting him ahead of Federer’s 429 and Serena Williams’ 423. Remarkably, he is the only player, male or female, to have appeared in 400 or more Grand Slam singles matches.
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“I love this sport, I love the competition,” Djokovic said after the match, underscoring his commitment as he enters the third round of the Australian Open for the 17th consecutive year. “Every time I go out on court, I try to give my best. I have been fighting at the highest level in Grand Slams for more than two decades. Whatever the result, I leave everything on the field. I feel blessed to add another record to my name.”
Djokovic suffered a scare in his opening round against American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy, which forced him to play four sets, but the Serbian felt his resilient performance boded well for an 11th Open title. Australia and an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam trophy.
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Under the watchful eye of his new coach Andy Murray, Djokovic seemed to find his rhythm from the start against world No. 125 Faria, quickly taking control of the match. He started with a successful serve at zero, followed by a crucial break, taking a 3-1 lead as Faria sent a backhand deep. Djokovic showed dominant form, securing a second break to win the first set with ease, in just 30 minutes.
Despite Faria’s first-round triumph over Pavel Kotov marking his first victory on tour, the young player struggled to maintain that momentum against the seasoned Djokovic. However, the Portuguese qualifier rallied in the second set, surprising the Serbian and breaking him twice to lead 4-2. After a tense sequence, Djokovic found his way back, breaking Faria while serving for the set at 5-3, but gave in in the tiebreak where the young talent sealed the set with a drop shot, celebrating enthusiastically.
However, Djokovic, ever the seasoned warrior, recalibrated his approach with the stadium roof now closed due to rain, taking control of the third set as Faria’s energy began to flag. The Portuguese contender struggled against the experienced play of Djokovic, who easily won the fourth set, continuing his quest for another title.
“He played exceptional tennis,” Djokovic admitted. “He’s a young guy, and I told him at the net that the future is definitely bright for him.”
