Novak Djokovic Breaks Grand Slam Match Record

Novak Djokovic made history at the Australian Open, surpassing Roger Federer for the most Grand Slam singles matches played by any player, male or female. The 37-year-old Serb claimed his 430th major match victory with a hard-fought 6-1, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-2 win over Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria, securing a spot in the third round. Reflecting on the milestone, Djokovic said, “I love this sport. I love competition. Whether I win or lose, I will always leave my heart out on the court.”

His triumph also made him the first man over 30 to achieve 150 Grand Slam singles wins. Novak Djokovic, aiming for a record-breaking 25th major title, would surpass Margaret Court’s tally as the all-time leader in Grand Slam singles titles if he wins the Australian Open. Next, Djokovic faces Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac. The seventh seed also has a familiar face in his corner with three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray part of his coaching team.

Elsewhere in the men’s draw, Norwegian sixth seed Casper Ruud was upset by 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik, who won 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. Mensik, ranked 48th, joins Brazilian qualifier Joao Fonseca as teenagers who defeated top-10 players in the same Slam—an achievement last seen when Djokovic and Murray accomplished the feat at Wimbledon in 2006. Fonseca shocked ninth seed Andrey Rublev earlier in the week.

German second seed Alexander Zverev also progressed, delivering a commanding 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Spain’s Pedro Martinez. Zverev will face Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in the third round as he aims to continue his strong campaign in Melbourne.