
Audio By Carbonatix
Novak Djokovic surpassed Roger Federer's record for the most major singles matches played as he reached the Australian Open third round.
The 37-year-old was made to work in his 430th Grand Slam singles match but he emerged triumphant, beating qualifier Jaime Faria 6-1 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-2.
The win gives Djokovic sole ownership of the all-time record for most Grand Slam singles matches played among men and women, and takes him past former rival Federer, who played his last major match at Wimbledon in 2021.
"I love this sport. I love competition," Djokovic said when asked about the milestone.
"I try to give my best every single time. It's been over 20 years that I've been competing in Grand Slams at the highest level.
"Whether I win or lose, I will always leave my heart out on the court. I'm just blessed to be making another record."
The victory also meant the Serb became the first man over the age of 30 to reach 150 Grand Slam singles wins.
Djokovic can make further history still in Melbourne - win the title and he would claim a 25th major, moving him clear of Australia's Margaret Court as the sole leader of all-time Grand Slam singles titles.
The seventh seed, who has three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray in his coaching box, will face Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac in the third round.
Norwegian sixth seed Casper Ruud became the biggest casualty in the men's draw, losing 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 to 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik.
World number 48 Mensik and Joao Fonseca, the 18-year-old Brazilian qualifier who stunned ninth seed Andrey Rublev on Tuesday, are the first teenagers to beat top-10 opponents at the same Grand Slam since Djokovic and Murray at Wimbledon in 2006.
Meanwhile, German second seed Alexander Zverev claimed an assured 6-1 6-4 6-1 victory over Spain's Pedro Martinez to set up a third-round meeting with Britain's Jacob Fearnley.
Latest Stories
-
Daboya–Mankarigu residents urge Roads Minister to intervene in delayed road project
1 minute -
Police summon Kwadwo Safo Akofena over shooting incident involving former Dome-Kwabenya MP
8 minutes -
Firearm cannot be displayed without IGP’s approval – Security expert
10 minutes -
Private security firms cannot legally arm guards for self-protection – Dr Adam Bonaa
12 minutes -
The Million dollar bank in every university
24 minutes -
Ghana highlights disability inclusion progress at UN Conference in New York
31 minutes -
Ghana calls for stronger global support for disability inclusion at UN conference
47 minutes -
Gender Ministry begins community dialogue on social protection in Northern Region
51 minutes -
Ghana seeks greater investment and renewable energy support through SEforALL partnership
54 minutes -
Ghana deepens energy partnership with SEforALL to advance energy access, sustainable development
54 minutes -
GhYA urges National Research Fund to prioritise young scientists and research infrastructure
1 hour -
Kwaku Azar to deliver lecture on political parties’ drift from visions and ideologies
1 hour -
Avocado: Ghana’s next €2bn export win
1 hour -
Cedi makes strong comeback against dollar; going for GH¢12.10 in retail market
2 hours -
Dome-Kwabenya MP condemns alleged shooting of Adwoa Safo, urges swift police action
2 hours