Novak Djokovic continues to make tennis history, achieving a milestone 400 wins in Grand Slam singles and 102 victories at the Australian Open. The 24-time major champion secured his 400th Grand Slam win by defeating Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) during the Australian Open’s third round.
His Australian Open record now stands at 102-10, matching Roger Federer’s record for the most match wins at the season’s opening major. Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, is pursuing his 25th career major title to become the most successful tennis player in history at 38 years old.
During the match against van de Zandschulp, Djokovic faced a minor stumble in the third set but recovered swiftly. Despite a medical timeout for a foot issue, he managed to secure the win, displaying his skill and determination on the court.
Reflecting on his performance and physical condition, Djokovic expressed satisfaction with his form but remained cautious, having learned from past experiences of injury setbacks in Grand Slams. He acknowledged the rising talent of younger players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz but remained focused on challenging them for victory.
In a surprising development, Naomi Osaka withdrew from the tournament before her third-round match due to a left abdominal issue. The two-time Australian Open champion cited the need to prioritize her health and avoid exacerbating the injury, emphasizing the importance of careful management given the changes her body has undergone since returning to competition post-pregnancy.
Veteran player Stan Wawrinka bid farewell to Melbourne after a hard-fought match against Taylor Fritz, graciously thanking the crowd and tournament officials. Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam winner, reflected on his career and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete once more on the prestigious stage of the Australian Open.
Looking ahead, Fritz advanced to face Lorenzo Musetti in the round of 16, setting the stage for more intense competition in the tournament.