Djokovic Says He’s ‘Hanging in There’ After Historic 400th Grand Slam Win

Novak Djokovic said he was “hanging in there” after making history on Saturday by becoming the first player to record 400 Grand Slam match wins, advancing to the last 16 of the Australian Open.

The 38-year-old Serbian defeated Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on centre court, thrilling a lively crowd as he extended his own all-time record for match victories at the majors. Roger Federer (369) and Serena Williams (365) are the closest challengers.

The win was also Djokovic’s 102nd at Melbourne Park, where he has claimed 10 titles, equalling Federer’s record for the most Australian Open singles victories.

Next, the fourth seed will face either Czech teenager Jakub Mensik or American debutant Ethan Quinn in the fourth round, with their match delayed due to extreme heat.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion appears in strong form as he looks to challenge the recent dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

“I’m still trying to give these young guys a push for their money,” Djokovic said. “I’m still around. I’m hanging in there.

“Obviously Alcaraz and Sinner are the two best players in the world. They’re playing on a different level from all of us right now.

“But, you know, when you enter the court and the ball rolls, you always have a chance, particularly here, on the court that has given me the most in my career.”

Despite his confidence, Djokovic cautioned against getting carried away, reflecting on his 2024 season where he reached the semi-finals at all four majors without progressing further.

“Last year I got too excited, too early in some of the Grand Slams,” he said. “I was playing really well and getting to the quarters and semis and then getting injured in pretty much three out of four.”

Van de Zandschulp, ranked 75th, had beaten Djokovic in straight sets at Indian Wells last year but was unable to repeat the upset. Djokovic dominated the opening set, sealing a crucial break in the fourth game after a gruelling 26-point rally.

He broke again early in the second set to lead 4-2, though his frustration showed at times. At one point, he hit a ball toward an advertising board and nearly struck a ball kid, quickly offering an apology.

Djokovic required treatment on his foot during a medical timeout in the third set after a fall. The set went to a tiebreak following exchanged breaks, where he showed his trademark resilience to close out the match.

“A few points before, I almost saw the physio, I was planning to see him for my blisters,” he said, referring to the fall in which he appeared to twist his ankle.

“Thankfully, I managed a good fall, if you can say that. Things could’ve been really ugly in that moment.”

Djokovic has been level with Australian great Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles since his US Open triumph in 2023.

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