Novak Djokovic advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open on Saturday, defeating Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) in a match played under the main showcourt roofs. The victory marked Djokovic’s 102nd at Melbourne Park, equalling Roger Federer’s record of six Australian Open titles and making him the first player to reach 400 wins at the Grand Slams.
The 10-time Melbourne champion described his start to the year as “really good” but stressed caution. “Things can change and I’m not getting ahead of myself. Last year I learned a lesson, getting too excited too early in some of the Slams and then suffering injuries,” Djokovic said. “I’m still pushing the young guys. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are playing at a different level, but when you enter the court, you always have a chance… especially on this court. I look forward to a good battle.”
Djokovic began the evening session strongly, taking a 5-3 lead in the first set with a sublime backhand crosscourt winner, celebrating with his arms outstretched in an airplane gesture. He broke Van de Zandschulp in the opening game of the second set and held on despite minor turbulence, including a brief loss of composure when striking a ball near a ball kid — an incident reminiscent of his 2020 US Open default.
During the third set, Djokovic received treatment for a blister on his right foot after a tumble, but recovered from a break down to win the tiebreak and set up a clash with either 16th seed Jakub Mensik or Ethan Quinn.
“A few points before I fell, I almost twisted my ankle and wanted to see the physio for my blisters,” Djokovic said. “Thankfully, I managed to fall safely. Things could have been very ugly in that moment.”
