Djokovic Makes Grand Slam History as Alcaraz and Sabalenka Shine at Australian Open

Posted : 16 January 2025

Novak Djokovic secured his place in the Australian Open third round on Wednesday, marking a historic milestone in Grand Slam tennis. The Serbian legend, now 37, defeated Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in four sets, recording his 430th singles match at a major—a record in the Open Era, surpassing Roger Federer and Serena Williams.

Djokovic, aiming for an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title and 25th Grand Slam crown, reflected on his achievement, saying, "I will always leave my heart out on the court. I’m just blessed to be making another record." His next challenge will be against Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac, with a potential quarterfinal clash against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz looming.

Alcaraz, the four-time Grand Slam winner, delivered a commanding performance to cruise into the third round. The Spaniard dismantled Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in straight sets, conceding just five games in an 81-minute masterclass.

Alcaraz emphasized the importance of efficiency in the early rounds, stating, "The less time you spend on court in the Grand Slams, especially in the beginning, it is going to be better." Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev also advanced with a straight-sets victory over Spain's Pedro Martinez, but Norway’s Casper Ruud suffered an upset loss to 18-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik, making him the highest men’s seed to exit so far.

In the women’s draw, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka overcame a challenging match against Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, rallying to win 6-3, 7-5 despite facing 11 break points. Sabalenka remains on track for a rare Australian Open hat-trick, a feat last achieved by Martina Hingis 26 years ago.

However, last year’s finalist Zheng Qinwen was stunned by Germany’s Laura Siegemund, who pulled off a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 upset. Zheng, frustrated by time violations and her early exit, remarked, "It’s tennis. Nothing more." Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka staged a remarkable comeback against Karolina Muchova, avenging her loss at the US Open with a 1-6, 6-1, 6-3 victory.

Coco Gauff continued her strong form, defeating Britain’s Jodie Burrage 6-3, 7-5, and setting up a third-round clash with Leylah Fernandez. Gauff, who ended 2024 with victories at the China Open and WTA Finals, admitted her serving needed improvement for the next round.

Jessica Pegula, another American standout, advanced comfortably, beating Elise Mertens. As the tournament progresses, defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, Iga Swiatek, and Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca will look to make their mark in the second round.

Djokovic Makes Grand Slam History as Alcaraz and Sabalenka Shine at Australian Open

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