A real score. At 39 years old, Novak Djokovic has not said his last word against the new generation. The world number 4 qualified this Saturday, January 24 for the round of 16 of the Australian Open by knocking out the Dutchman Botic Van De Zandschulp between three sets: 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4).
With this victory in the third round of the Australian tournament against the 75th in the world, “Nole” equals the number of victories of Roger Federer in Melbourne (102) and above all sets a new absolute record. Never has any tennis player, men or women combined, reached the mark of 400 Grand Slam successes. Djokovic did it this Saturday.
Another victory to overtake Federer in Melbourne
This 102 victory at the Australian Open where he was crowned ten times – also a record – is added to the 101 at Roland-Garros (for three crowns), 102 at Wimbledon (seven titles) and 95 at the US Open (four crowns).
The 39-year-old Serbian, who dreams of bringing his record of Grand Slam titles to 25 in Melbourne, could even overtake “Roger” since he faces in the next round either the Czech Jakub Mensik (17th) or the American Ethan Quinn (80th) for a place in the quarter-final. Two opponents a priori within reach of the fourth player in the world.
It was well worth a little celebration to celebrate this beautiful symphony, this new work of art. After his victory, when greeting the public, Novak Djokovic put his racket on his shoulder to improvise as a musician and play the violin as he has done several times in recent months in a nod to his daughter.
“I try to push these young people to give the best of themselves. You know, I’m still here, I’m still here! Obviously, (Carlos) Alcaraz and (Jannik) Sinner are the two best players in the world. They’re playing at a different level than all of us right now. But, you know, when you step on the court and the ball is rolling, you always have a chance. Particularly here and especially on the court which has given me the most in my career. I can’t wait for the next battle,” he said, laughing on the court after his victory, to the cheers of the crowd.
