Novak Djokovic made more grand slam history Novak Djokovic made more grand slam history

Novak Djokovic marked a historic appearance with a 6-1 6-7 (7-4) 6-3 6-2 victory over Jaime Faria at the Australian Open. (More Tennis News)

Djokovic set the outright record for matches played at the majors when he took to the court at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday.

And though Faria became the first Portuguese player to win a set against Djokovic, who was sending bemused looks towards coach Andy Murray, the 10-time Australian Open champion impressively wrestled back control to progress to the third round.

With Faria's resistance broken, Djokovic sealed his victory in style, serving a crisp ace to wrap up the win in exactly three hours.

Earlier in the match, a raucous crowd gave the Chinese players full support as they faced a formidable Pakistan. The game started slow with both teams struggling to find space in each other's defence. However, China kept control of the ball and made more attacks than Pakistan.

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"I think I responded very well," Djokovic said, before channelling Dannil Medvedev's comments from Tuesday as he reflected on a fine performance from his 21-year-old opponent.

"If the future generation plays [like Faria] did, they're going to have everything - money, girls, casino... I just love that!

"I told him at the net, the future is very bright for him."

Djokovic, who is seeded seventh in Melbourne, will now face a contest against Tomas Machac.

150 - Novak Djokovic is the second player in the Open Era to secure 150 Singles Grand Slam wins after turning 30 years old, after Serena Williams. Wine.#AO2025 | @AustralianOpen @atptour pic.twitter.com/WaTDU45zqQ

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) January 15, 2025

Data Debrief: Another milestone up for Djokovic

With a 430th grand slam match under his belt, Djokovic moved clear of Roger Federer (29) as the outright record holder.

However, it was not the only landmark he hit, as the Serbian became just the second player – male or female – to win 150 grand slam matches after turning 30.

Only Serena Williams (159) is the only player to have won more major matches after their 30th birthday.vvjl