Australian Open: Novak Djokovic breaks Federer's all-time record, reaches 3rd round

Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic won his 430th match at Grand Slams, going past Roger Federer's all-time mark. The Serb overcame a scare from 21-year-old Jaime Faria of Portugal to reach the third round.

In Short

• Novak Djokovic needed four sets to beat 21-year-old Jaime Faria
• Djokovic went past Roger Federer's tally of most wins in Grand Slams
• The Serb will face 26th seed Tomas Machac in the third round

World No. 7 Novak Djokovic broke Roger Federer's all-time record for the most Grand Slam matches won in the Open Era at the Australian Open on Wednesday, January 15. Djokovic defeated 21-year-old Grand Slam debutant Jaime Faria of Portugal in four sets to notch up his 430th win in Grand Slams, going past Federer's tally of 429. Djokovic also reached the third round of the season's first major for the 17th time in his career.

Djokovic said he was fortunate to break another all-time record and went on to stress the importance of Grand Slam tournaments to the sport. The Serb is chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title and his 100th title win on the tour at this year's Australian Open.

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"I love the sport. I love the competition. I try to give my best, every single time. It’s been over 20 years that I have been competing in Grand Slams, at the highest level. Whether win or lose, one thing is for sure, I always leave my heart out," Djokovic said.

"Grand Slams, of course, they are the pillars of our sport. They mean everything for the history of this sport. They are the ones that motivate young children. The first image of tennis that I remember watching was the Wimbledon final. So, yeah, Grand Slams are definitely the most important tournaments in our sport. It’s been over 130 years of existence of this incredible event. I am just blessed to be making another record today," he added.

MONEY, GIRLS, CASINO: DJOKVOIC BORROWS MEDVEDEV'S WORDS

For the second time in as many rounds, Novak Djokovic needed four sets to get past a Grand Slam debutant. After battling his way past 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy in the opening round, Djokovic was made to work hard by 21-year-old Jaime Faria. However, the Serb got the job done in 3 hours, beating his young opponent 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-2.

Novak Djokovic acknowledged that Jaime Faria, who showcased a very good serve and a strong forehand, was playing 'lights-out tennis' and made life difficult for him in the second and the start of the third sets.

While Djokovic raced to win the first set, he was beaten in the second-set tie-breaker by Jaime, who raised his intensity. It is a rarity to see Djokovic lose tie-breakers in Grand Slams, but the Serb was able to put it behind him and bounce back to win the match in four sets.

His coach, Andy Murray, made sure he kept passing tips and information, especially after the Serb dropped the second set.

Djokovic borrowed Daniil Medvedev's words to praise his young opponent, saying the next generation of tennis stars have a bright future.

"Yesterday, Medvedev played five sets and he was two sets to one down. And in the wise words of Daniil Medvedev, if the future generation plays this way, they are going to have everything: ‘Money, girls, casino’. I just love that statement, I have to say it," Djokovic said.

"He was playing lifetime tennis. Towards the end of the second set and beginning of the third, I had to weather the storm. He has been practically serving two first serves the entire match. Not easy to play someone like that. He has nothing to lose.

"I told him at the net that his future is bright and he should keep going," he added.

Djokovic will next face 26th seed Tomas Machac, who defeated India's Sumit Nagal in the opening round at Australian Open.