Two decades after debuting at Majors in Melbourne, Novak Djokovic achieved the ultimate record on the most notable tennis scene. The 37-year-old played his 430th Major match in the Australian Open second round, leaving Roger Federer on 429!
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Thus, the Serb achieved another incrediblemilestone, extending his legacy and writing history books. Novak feels blessed to still compete at a high level 20 years after starting his journey at Majors. The legend expressed his love for the sport and competition in his post-match interview.
Despite achieving everything, Djokovic still gives everything every time he plays, leaving his heart on the court regardless of the scoreboard.
Novak could have passed Roger last year. However, he experienced a setback at Roland Garros and suffered an early US Open loss after conquering the Olympic Games gold medal. Nonetheless, the Serb grabbed a record at his beloved Australian Open, his most successful Major.
Djokovic matched Federer's 429 Major encounters in the first round against the 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy. The veteran lost the opener before raising his level and ousting a teenager in three hours. Thus, Novak secured a new record!
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His record-breaking 430th Major encounter came against the young Portuguese qualifier, Jaime Faria. Djokovic earned a 6-1, 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 victory in three hours over a debutant at Majors, moving into the last 32 for the 17th time in Melbourne.
Novak struggled in the second set and argued with the organizers. Faria clinched it in the tie break to level the overall score before Djokovic took charge and sailed over the top. The Serb lost serve two times and stole 41% of the return points.
He turned them into seven breaks from 12 chances, enough to seal the deal in four sets. Novak hit the same number of winners and errors, and the young gun could not keep that pace. The veteran also took charge in the shortest range up to four strokes.
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Jaime missed a break point in the third game of the opening set and suffered a break in the next one. World no. 7 clinched another break in game six and wrapped up the opener with an ace at 5-1. They traded breaks early in the second set.
Faria grabbed another at 3-2 after an extended rally, moving in front and holding for 5-2. The youngster served for the set at 5-3 and suffered a break at love after Djokovic's forehand crosscourt winner. The Portuguese landed a forehand winner at 6-5 for a set point.
Novak saved it and reached a tie break. We saw five mini-breaks in the first six points, with the 21-year-old leading 4-2. Jaime hit a drop shot winner at 6-4, wrapping up the set and leveling the overall score after an hour and 37 minutes.
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Djokovicserved well in the third set and grabbed a break in the sixth game. He fired an ace at 5-3, taking the set and moving in front after an hour and 31 minutes. Faria experienced a break early in the fourth set and found himself 3-1 behind.
The Serb broke again in game five and saved a break point in the next one for 5-1. Novakserved for the win at 5-2 and sealed the deal with an ace, holding at love and moving through.
"I love this sport and the competition it brings. I give my best every time I play. I have played at Majors for two decades and maintained a high level. Winning or losing, I'm always leaving my heart on the court. I'm blessed to achieve another record," Novak Djokovic said.
