Novak Djokovic’s love affair with the Australian Open shows no signs of waning as the 37-year-old embarks on his 20th campaign at the season’s first Grand Slam. Already a ten-time champion, Djokovic is eyeing an unprecedented 11th title at Melbourne Park, extending his legacy at the event he has dominated like no other.
A Milestone Moment
Debuting in 2005, Djokovic first made headlines by qualifying for the tournament as a teenager before falling to eventual champion Marat Safin. Two decades later, the Serbian icon stands as one of only four players in the Open Era to compete in 20 Australian Opens, joining the elite ranks of Lleyton Hewitt, Feliciano Lopez, and Roger Federer, who holds the record at 21 appearances.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, Djokovic is expected to equal Federer’s record in 2026, cementing his place at the pinnacle of endurance and excellence in tennis history.
Redemption in Melbourne
Djokovic’s journey at the Australian Open hit a snag in 2022, when he was famously deported due to the country’s COVID-19 regulations. Now, having returned triumphantly in 2023 and 2024, he is determined to reclaim the spotlight at Rod Laver Arena, his “second home.”
The Road So Far: Djokovic’s 2025 Campaign
Djokovic’s path to the third round hasn’t been entirely smooth, as two determined young opponents tested the veteran in four-set battles.
First Round: Surviving Nishesh Basavareddy
Facing 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy, Djokovic overcame an early setback to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in just under three hours. Basavareddy, making his Grand Slam debut, shocked the ten-time champion by taking the opening set. However, Djokovic’s class shone through as he fired 23 aces and tightened his game, producing 51 winners to just 41 unforced errors.
“I expected a tough battle,” Djokovic admitted post-match. “He’s talented, and it’s great to see the next generation stepping up. Matches like these keep me sharp.”
Second Round: A Test from Jaime Faris
In the second round, Djokovic faced 21-year-old Jaime Faris, a qualifier who refused to be overawed by the legend’s reputation. Djokovic prevailed in a hard-fought 6-1, 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 victory over three hours, recovering from a tight second-set loss. The Serbian capitalized on Faris’ errors with seven breaks of serve to secure his spot in the last 32.
“Every match is a challenge,” Djokovic remarked. “These young guys are fearless, and that pushes me to elevate my game.”
The Bigger Picture: Chasing Glory
With 24 Grand Slam titles under his belt, Djokovic is in relentless pursuit of expanding his record. While his focus remains on the immediate task at hand, there’s no denying the larger narrative: can the Serbian maestro outdo himself yet again and conquer Melbourne for the 11th time?
Beyond the statistics, Djokovic’s renewed aggression and physical resilience have been evident. His meticulous approach to recovery and adaptability to younger, hungrier opponents make him the man to beat.
What’s Next?
Djokovic now faces another rising talent in the third round as he seeks to maintain momentum. While his opponents may bring youth and enthusiasm, Djokovic counters with a wealth of experience, a steely mindset, and an unmatched record at the Australian Open.
For Djokovic, every match in Melbourne is more than just another step—it’s a chance to etch his name further into tennis history. As he himself put it: “I play for moments like these, to push my limits and continue to write this story.”
