In a display of enduring excellence, Novak Djokovic secured his place in the fourth round of the Australian Open 2026 on Saturday, January 24, continuing his remarkable journey at Melbourne Park. The Serbian tennis maestro defeated Dutch qualifier Botic van de Zandschulp in a gripping three-set encounter that lasted two hours and forty-four minutes, with a final scoreline of 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4). This victory not only propels him forward in the tournament but also cements his status as one of the sport's all-time greats through two significant historical achievements.
Historic Milestones Achieved in Melbourne
With this win, Novak Djokovic has equaled Roger Federer's all-time record for the most appearances in the round of sixteen at the Australian Open, marking his 18th entry into this stage from 21 visits to the tournament. At 38 years old, Djokovic's consistency and longevity are on full display, as he continues to defy age and competition. Furthermore, this match represented a monumental personal milestone for the Serb, as he secured his 400th Grand Slam singles victory, becoming the first player in tennis history to reach this extraordinary number of wins at major championships.
Dominant Start Sets the Tone
The match began with Djokovic asserting his authority early in the first set. After saving a break point in the third game, he broke serve in the following game following an intense rally, establishing a 3-1 lead. His serve remained formidable throughout the set, and he clinched the opener in just 42 minutes with a powerful service winner at 5-3. The second set saw Djokovic break twice initially, though van de Zandschulp managed to break back in the fourth game, injecting some tension into the contest.
A moment of frustration emerged when Djokovic smashed a ball that narrowly missed a ball kid's head, potentially risking repercussions from the umpire. However, he quickly regained composure, holding serve at love in the ninth game after a forehand error from his opponent, securing a two-sets-to-love advantage after one hour and thirty-eight minutes of play.
Physical Challenges and Dramatic Finish
The third set presented physical hurdles for Djokovic, who called a medical timeout early to address a blister on his right foot. Despite dropping serve in the fourth game, he broke back immediately, demonstrating resilience. Both players held serve solidly until 5-6, when Djokovic saved two set points to force a tiebreak, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
The tiebreak was a rollercoaster of mini-breaks, with seven occurring in the first ten points. Djokovic built a 6-3 lead and converted on his second match point when van de Zandschulp sent a forehand wide. Throughout the match, Djokovic lost serve only twice while breaking four times, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure in decisive moments.
Pursuit of Further Glory
Chasing an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title and a record 25th Grand Slam overall, Novak Djokovic continues to be a formidable force in Melbourne. Despite flashes of physical discomfort and moments of frustration, his brilliance on court remains undiminished. With these latest milestones adding to his legendary career, all eyes are on Djokovic as he advances in the tournament, poised to make more history in the days to come.
