The third round match of the Australian Open was an opportunity for Novak Djokovic to once again write his own and tennis history. And the Serbian tennis player did not miss the opportunity - the best tennis player of all time defeated the Dutchman, Botik van de Zandslupp, 3:0 (6:3, 6:4, 7:6), advancing to the round of 16, and also recording the 400th victory in his career at Grand Slam tournaments.
Djokovic is also the first in tennis history in this category. Behind him are Roger Federer with 369, Rafael Nadal with 314, and Jimmy Connors with 233 victories.
Of his 400 major tournament wins, 102 have come in Melbourne, tying Djokovic with Federer at the top of the list. And if he makes it to the quarterfinals, he would be the most successful player ever at the Australian Open with 103 victories.
At his 21st Australian Open, Djokovic reached the round of 16 for the 18th time. This puts him level with Roger Federer at the top. Behind them are Rafael Nadal, Tomas Berdych and Stefan Edberg.
Also, today, for the 70th time in his career, Djokovic reached at least the round of 16 at all Grand Slam tournaments.
The first set was flawless. Djokovic broke, took a 3-1 lead, easily reached 5-2, and then took the lead in sets.
Novak opened the second set in the same rhythm. With two breaks, he led 3:0, and then Van de Zandschlup took a medical timeout due to a problem with his right shoulder.
After that break, the Dutchman returned a break and played much better, but Djokovic maintained his advantage and led 2:0 in sets.
Van de Zandslup served well at those moments, playing very well, and Djokovic had an awkward stop and fell in the third game of the third set, so the physiotherapist helped him.
And in the very next game, Van de Zandslup achieved the first break of the match and took a 3:1 lead, but in the next one, Djokovic got his revenge, and then tied the score - 3:3.
In the 12th game of the third set, Van de Zandslup had two set points, but did not use them, so Djokovic settled everything in a tie-break.
Djokovic will face Jakub Menšík in the round of 16.
Bonus video:
