Novak Djokovic, at 37 years old, has etched his name further into tennis history by surpassing Roger Federer’s record for the most matches played at Grand Slam tournaments. Competing in the second round of the Australian Open, Djokovic played his 430th Major match, eclipsing Federer’s previous mark of 429 matches. This remarkable achievement not only highlights Djokovic’s longevity in the sport but also reinforces his status as one of tennis’s all-time greats. In a post-match interview, Djokovic expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue competing at such a high level two decades after his debut in Melbourne.
Despite his extensive list of accomplishments, Djokovic remains fiercely competitive, pouring his heart into every match regardless of the outcome. Last year, he had the chance to break Federer’s record but faced challenges at Roland Garros and an unexpected early exit at the US Open. However, the Australian Open has long been Djokovic’s most successful tournament, and he seized the moment to claim this new milestone on familiar ground.
In his record-setting match, Djokovic faced 19-year-old Jaime Faria, overcoming a challenging start to secure a 6-1, 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 victory. After initially losing the first set, Djokovic rallied to dominate the remainder of the match, showcasing his experience and skill. Although he faced some adversity in the second set, including a dispute with the organizers, he regained control to advance to the last 32 for the 17th time in Melbourne. Reflecting on his journey, Djokovic stated, “I love this sport and the competition it brings. I give my best every time I play… I’m blessed to achieve another record.”
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