Djokovic ‘Hanging In There’ After Landmark 400th Slam Win

Novak Djokovic, the first player to reach the final 16 of the Australian Open, declared he was “hanging in there” after becoming the first player to win 400 Grand Slam matches on Saturday.

In front of a throbbing crowd on center court, the 38-year-old Serbian great extended his own all-time winning streak to include match wins at the majors by sweeping past Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) in front of a boisterous crowd.

Next best are Serena Williams and Roger Federer (369), respectively.

On day seven of the Australian Open tennis championship match in Melbourne on January 24, 2026, Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates a match point with Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands. IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP) —

Victory won 102 matches for Federer, who holds the record for Australian Open singles victories with 102 wins.

A fourth-round match between Djokovic and Czech rising star Jakub Mensik or American debutant Ethan Quinn, whose match was postponed due to extreme heat, will be Djokovic’s reward.

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The 24-time champion is currently fighting to overthrow Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’ recent dominance.

Djokovic continued, “I’m still trying to give these young guys a push for their money.” “I’m still here,” I said. I’m anchored there.

Alcaraz and Sinner are undoubtedly the world’s two best players. They are currently playing on a different level than everyone else.

However, you’re aware that whenever you enter the court and the ball rolls, you always have a chance, especially on the court where I’ve had the best luck in my career.

On day seven of the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne on January 24, 2026, Novak Djokovic (L) and Botic van de Zandschulp (L) of Serbia shake hands with Botic van de Zandschulp (L). IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

He argued that he was “not getting ahead of myself” after reaching the semi-finals of all four majors last year and failing to advance.

He claimed that during some of the Grand Slams last year, I grew too excited and too early. “I was playing really well, getting to the quarters and semis, and then getting injured in pretty much three of the four.”

Van de Zandschulp, who is 75th overall, never looked confident of delivering yet another shock at Indian Wells last year in three sets against Djokovic.

After a massive 26-point rally, the fourth seed reclaimed the game with some incredible tennis in set one, sealing the crucial break in the final game.

On his opening serve of the second set, he broke the Dutchman once more, moving to 4-2, but it was difficult and he grew increasingly irritable.

On day seven of the Australian Open tennis competition in Melbourne on January 24, 2026, Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp (R) takes the court after losing to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP) —

He once nearly hit a ball kid while quickly apologizing after hurling a ball toward an advertising hoarding out of frustration.

Djokovic&nbsp, who was taken after a tumble during a medical timeout in set three, had work on his foot.

He proved to be the most resilient during the set’s tiebreak and they exchanged breaks.

He described the fall where he appeared to turn his ankle as “a few points before, I almost saw the physio, I was planning to see him for my blisters.”

“Thankfully, I managed to fall well,” if you will. At that time, things could have been incredibly ugly.

Since winning the US Open in 2023, Djokovic and Margaret Court have won 24 major titles.