Novak Djokovic debuted on the Australian Open in 2005, passing the qualifying stage earlier than falling to an eventual champion, Marat Safin. Two decaded later, Novak is the seventh seed in Melbourne, in search of the eleventh trophy at his beloved Main.
Djokovic is celebrating a notable milestone Down Underneath, coming into his twentieth Australian Open. The Serb is the fourth participant to attain that within the Open period, matching Lleyton Hewitt and Feliciano Lopez and edging nearer to Roger Federer.
The Swiss embraced 21 Australian Open campaigns, and Djokovic will be part of him on the high if he returns to Melbourne subsequent yr, which is greater than seemingly. At 37, Novak is keen so as to add extra Main titles to his assortment, prioritising the 4 most notable tennis occasions.
Novak Djokovic marches on with one other four-set match win in Melbourne 💪
…and he applauds Jaime Faria as his opponent leaves the courtroom 👏#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Fifgjmt8B0
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 15, 2025
Djokovic may have matched Federer this week and stand on 21 appearances on the first Main of the season. Nevertheless, he missed the 2022 Australian Open attributable to deportation due to Australia’s Covid-19 laws. The veteran is off to a profitable begin in Melbourne.
He defeated two younger weapons in 4 units and booked a spot within the third spherical for the seventeenth time within the earlier 18 journeys Down Underneath! The 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy challenged the legend within the first spherical at Rod Laver Enviornment.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Nishesh made a powerful debut at Majors and claimed the opening set earlier than Novak stepped in and gained 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in two hours and 59 minutes. The ten-time champion fired 23 aces and tamed his strokes properly after the opener, touchdown 51 winners and 41 unforced errors.
He misplaced serve as soon as and ended the valiant resistance of his opponent with 4 breaks on his tally from 11 alternatives. Basavareddy survived three difficult video games within the opener and clinched a break in recreation seven for 6-4.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Djokovic performed higher within the second set and stole the rival’s serve within the eighth recreation earlier than taking it 6-3. The Serb grabbed an early break within the third set and gained it 6-4 to maneuver in entrance. The veteran broke the younger gun two occasions within the fourth set to emerge on the high.
The 21-year-old qualifier Jaime Faris challenged the ten-time winner within the second spherical. Novak misplaced a set however moved by means of with a 6-1, 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 victory in three hours. The 24-time Main winner bought damaged two occasions and misplaced a decent second set.
He pushed sturdy on the return within the three units he gained, offering seven breaks and coming into the final 32.
