Novak Djokovic continues to stretch the boundaries of what is possible in men’s tennis, adding yet another set of milestones to his glittering career at the Australian Open Saturday.
This is two-time champion Naomi Osaka pulled out of the competition ahead of her third-round clash because of an abdominal injury. The Japanese star, who made a grand entrance to the competition in a jellyfish-inspired outfit, wrote on Instagram that “it breaks my heart”.
The Serbian, a 24-time Grand Slam champion became the first player in history to register 400 singles wins at Grand Slams after brushing aside Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) in the third round at Melbourne Park. The victory also took Djokovic’s Australian Open record to 102 wins against just 10 losses, drawing him level with Roger Federer for the most match wins at the season’s opening major.
Already a ten-time champion in Melbourne, the 38-year-old is chasing a 25th major title, a feat that would place him alone at the summit of tennis history. Against the Dutchman, Djokovic asserted control early and rarely looked troubled, barring a tense spell in the third set.
