Australian Open: Novak Djokovic records milestone 400 wins at Grand Slams with third-round victory over Botic van de Zandschulp in Melbourne

[ad_1] A annoyed Novak Djokovic averted disqualification as he beat error-prone Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) to succeed in the fourth spherical, because the 38-year-old continued his quest for a report twenty fifth Grand Slam title.

Along with his 102nd match victory at Melbourne, the Serb equalled six-time champion Roger Federer's report on the yr's first main and in addition grew to become the primary participant to safe 400 wins on the Grand Slams.

That is solely the second Grand Slam since Wimbledon in 2023 the place Djokovic has reached the fourth spherical with out dropping a set, but it surely was not a wholly simple night.

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Djokovic briefly misplaced his cool, and was lucky when putting a ball that flew near a ball lady stationed close to the web within the second set.

Although he averted disqualification, the incident triggered recollections of his 2020 US Open default for putting a line choose.

"I apologised for that," stated Djokovic in his press convention. "That was not mandatory and within the warmth of the second. I used to be fortunate there, and I am sorry for inflicting any misery to the ball child or anyone."

Up two units, Djokovic had remedy for a blister on his foot after a tumble within the third however he rallied from a break down earlier than holding his nerve within the tie-break.

"Just a few factors earlier than (I fell), I virtually twisted my ankle and wished to see the physio for my blisters," Djokovic stated.

"Fortunately I managed to have a great fall and defend myself. Issues may have been very ugly in that second."

Milestone win for Djokovic

Novak Djokovic (400) is the primary male or feminine participant within the Open Period to say 400 Singles match wins at Grand Slam occasions 🐐🐐🐐

369 - Roger Federer

314 - Rafael Nadal

233 - Jimmy Connors

224 - Andre Agassi

222 - Ivan Lendl

203 - Pete Sampras

200 - Andy Murray

178 - Stefan Edberg

167 - John McEnroe

Djokovic opened the night session on a steamy day wherein play continued beneath the principle showcourt roofs and eased to a 5-3 lead earlier than firing a chic backhand crosscourt winner and celebrating with his arms out to imitate an airplane.

He endured minor turbulence following that time, however had no hassle taking full flight once more as he broke within the opening sport of the second set when a deflated Van de Zandschulp fired his backhand lengthy.

Nevertheless, the Dutchman, who had received their final assembly in Indian Wells final yr, put Djokovic beneath stress after a medical timeout for a shoulder downside at 3-0 down within the second set.

Djokovic briefly misplaced his cool whereas 4-2 up, coming near putting a ball lady on the internet when he swiped a ball away within the second set.

The Serbian sparked issues when he fell and clutched his proper ankle within the third sport of the third set, though the next go to he acquired from the coach was to deal with a blister.

He then needed to save two set factors at 5-6 within the third set, getting into into his newest battle with the Melbourne crowd over noise throughout factors, placing his finger to his lips on a number of events after which cupping his hand to his ear when he made it throughout the road to arrange a conflict with both sixteenth seed Jakub Mensik.

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"I really feel actually good. It has been an ideal begin," the 10-time Melbourne Park champion declared.

"Issues can change and I am not getting forward of myself, as a result of final yr I realized a lesson, I acquired too excited too early in among the Slams, taking part in effectively and attending to the quarter-finals and semi-finals after which getting injured.

"I am nonetheless making an attempt to present these younger guys a push for his or her cash. I am nonetheless round and hanging in there. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are taking part in at a special stage.

"However whenever you enter the courtroom and the ball rolls, you at all times have an opportunity... particularly on this courtroom. I look ahead to a great battle."

Henman: Djokovic virtually hitting the ball child was loopy! <img class="sdc-article-image__item" loading="lazy" intrinsicsize="768x432" src="https://e0.365dm.com/26/01/768x432/skysports-novak-djokovic-tennis_7144169.jpg?20260124112435" srcset="https://e0.365dm.com/26/01/384x216/skysports-novak-djokovic-tennis_7144169.jpg?20260124112435 380w, https://e0.365dm.com/26/01/768x432/skysports-novak-djokovic-tennis_7144169.jpg?20260124112435 760w, https://e0.365dm.com/26/01/1600x900/skysports-novak-djokovic-tennis_7144169.jpg?20260124112435 1024w, https://e0.365dm.com/26/01/2048x1152/skysports-novak-djokovic-tennis_7144169.jpg?20260124112435 2048w" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 1024px, 100vw" alt="Novak Djokovic of Serbia receives treatment to a foot injury during his third round match against Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands" data-testid="article-image-image"/> Picture: Djokovic acquired remedy for a blister after taking a clumsy tumble Talking on TNT Sports activities, six-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Tim Henman stated: "Van de Zandschulp is a extremely high quality, harmful opponent. We have seen him beat the perfect on this planet.

"The primary set-and-a-half, Djokovic was wonderful, after which abruptly he acquired annoyed, he acquired distracted, his focus was not the place it had been.

"He very practically took out a ball child, which was loopy.

"Life acquired a bit bit harder within the third set, and he was behind.

"Had it gone 4 units, it might have been difficult. He is carried out effectively to get by in three."

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Stan Wawrinka grew to become the oldest man since Ken Rosewall in 1978 to succeed in the third spherical, and the 40-year-old put up a great struggle in opposition to ninth seed Taylor Fritz earlier than falling to a 7-6, (7-5), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 defeat.

The 2014 champion, who's retiring on the finish of the season, marked the event in his personal type by pulling two beers out of his courtside bench to share with event director Craig Tiley.

A video displaying Wawrinka's greatest moments was performed on the massive display in John Cain Area, and the Swiss stated: "I had so many feelings right here the final 20 years. I received my first grand slam right here, I at all times get pleasure from coming right here, [I get] a lot assist.

"I am unhappy to go away but it surely's been an incredible journey."

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