Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates victory over Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp after their men's singles match on day seven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 24.--AFP PICMELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic escaped the heat and doused Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3 6-4 7-6(4) at the Australian Open on Saturday to reach the fourth round and add another line in the record book during his bid for a standalone 25th Grand Slam title. With his 102nd match victory at Melbourne, the evergreen Serb equalled six-times champion Roger Federer's record at the year's first major and also became the first player to secure 400 wins at the Grand Slams. He endured minor turbulence following that point, but had no trouble taking full flight again as he broke in the opening game of the second set when a deflated Van de Zandschulp fired his backhand long. Djokovic briefly lost his cool while up 4-2, striking a ball that flew close to a ball kid stationed near the net. Though the Serb avoided a code violation, the incident triggered memories of his 2020 U.S. Open default for striking a line judge.

Source: New Strait Times January 24, 2026 11:17 UTC