Novak Djokovic feels ‘blessed’ to break Roger Federer record at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic feels ‘blessed’ to break a record previously held by fellow tennis legend Roger Federer at the 2025 Australian Open.

Djokovic defeated Jaime Faria 6-1 6-7 6-3 6-2 in the second round on Wednesday to continue his quest for a historic 25th major singles title, which would move him clear of Margaret Court in the all-time standings.

Victory over Faria marked Djokovic’s 430th Grand Slam singles match, meaning he has now surpassed Federer’s record of 429.

Djokovic, who next faces 26th-seed Tomas Machac in the third round, posted on Instagram: ‘A battle out there today.

‘Thank you Melbourne for your energy and well played @jaime_faria_ , a bright future for sure.

‘Blessed to break another record for most grand slam matches. I love this sport. Idemooo.’

Djokovic is the last Big Four tennis superstar left standing following the retirements of Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray – admitting last year that a part of him had ‘left with them’ and that he was ‘overwhelmed’.

Murray is currently working as part of Djokovic’s coaching team after hanging up his racket following the Olympic Games in Paris last year.

Meanwhile, Djokovic recently admitted he ‘felt bad’ for missing Nadal’s retirement ceremony at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.

‘(Andy) Murray and I planned to be there, we couldn’t fit the quarter-finals in our schedule, but we were a sure thing for the semis,’ the Serbian said.

‘Unfortunately, it turned out the way it did (Spain losing in the quarter-finals). What are you gonna do? More than that, I don’t really know.

‘I saw the video (of the ceremony). I don’t know, I don’t know if Rafa maybe didn’t want to make too much of a fuss about it in order not to bother other teams, matches.

‘I don’t know, to be honest, but I feel bad that I wasn’t there.’