Novak Djokovic broke another record in his illustrious career but he may be more concerned about his underwhelming form so far at the Australian Open.
The 10-time winner dropped a set before finding a way past Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria 6-1 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.
It was Djokovic’s 430th singles match at a grand slam, surpassing Roger Federer for the most all-time, but he again showed moments of frailty that will interest his title rivals.
As he did in the first round against Nishesh Basavareddy, the Serbian great gave his opponent chances, something he rarely did in his prime.
“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.”
Next up for the 24-time major champion is a tricky encounter with talented Czech Tomas Machac.
Novak doing what Novak does best – persevere and be brilliant 😍😍
An upset is not to be as Djokovic wins 6-1 6-7 6-3 6-2.@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/4gK8d0yu3D
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
📰 Table Of Contents
No worries for Zverev or Alcaraz
Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz made smoother progress than Djokovic, winning in straight sets.
Alcaraz beat Yoshihito Nishioka 6-0 6-1 6-4 while Zverez brushed aside Pedro Martinez 6-1 6-4 6-1.
There were also wins for Tommy Paul and Jack Draper.
Paul dropped the first set to veteran Kei Nishikori before hitting back to claim a 6-7 (3-7) 6-0 6-3 6-1 victory and Draper silenced a partisan home crowd by seeing off Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3 in over four and a half hours on the Kia Arena.
Osaka gains revenge on Muchova
The match of the day on the women’s side lived up to its billing as two-time Australian Open winner Naomi Osaka edged through against 20th seed Karolina Muchova.
Muchova breezed through the first set before Osaka found her range from the baseline to storm back and secure a 1-6 6-1 6-3 victory.
She later admitted she had enjoyed taking revenge after losing to Muchova at last year’s US Open.
Osaka said: “She crushed me at the US Open when I had my best outfit ever. I was so mad.
“This was my little revenge. It’s not a bad thing, guys – revenge is competitive. She’s one of the toughest opponents out there.
“I felt like I left everything I had on the court. Just to be back on these courts… it really makes my whole year.”
It doesn’t get much easier for Osaka as she plays Belinda Bencic next in a battle of two mums.
Sabalenka through but Zheng departs
Last year’s beaten finalist Zheng Qinwen is out after losing to veteran German Laura Siegemund 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.
“Maybe today is not my day,” Zheng said. “There’s a lot of details in the important points. I didn’t do the right choice.”
Top seed and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka battled back from 5-2 in the second set to see off Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3 7-5 while third seed Coco Gauff was pushed all the way by Britain’s Jodie Burrage before coming through 6-3 7-5.
American Jessica Pegula beat Elise Mertens in straight sets and Paula Badosa is also through after dropping just one game against Talia Gibson.
Jakub Mensik, are you out of your mind?! 🤯@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/HiJ8VTnsfo
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
Shock of the Day
After Joao Fonseca yesterday, another rising star came to prominence with 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik ousting Casper Ruud.
The sixth seed was blown away in the final two sets as Mensik displayed his brilliant all-court game to ease through 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4.
