Novak Djokovic breaks Roger Federer Grand Slam record after beating Jaime Faria in the Australian Open second round

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Novak Djokovic has secured an Australian Open third round spot after another intriguing tie against a Grand Slam debutant.

Djokovic helped inspire Naomi Osaka with his first round win over Nishesh Basavareddy, who was appearing in his first ever Grand Slam.

The American teenager gave 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic a scare, but the veteran ultimately pulled through to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

Mats Wilander said Djokovic can win the Australian Open after witnessing that fightback, with the latter chasing a record 25th Grand Slam and 100th ATP Tour title.

Portuguese youngster Jaime Faria awaited in round two in Melbourne, where again the Serbian didn’t have it all his own way before earning a 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2 win.

Novak Djokovic plays 430th Grand Slam singles match

Djokovic now faces Czech ace Tomas Machac in round three after his thrilling win over Reilly Opelka, with three of their five sets involving tie breaks.

He is certain to challenge the Serbian, but Djokovic has both confidence and experience on his side, having just played his 430th Grand Slam singles match.

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As per OptaAce, that figure is the most in the Open Era among men and women, with the 37-year-old having overtaken his fellow legend Roger Federer.

What is the head-to-head record between Novak Djokovic and Tomas Machac?

Another legend in Serena Williams currently occupies third spot in the list with 423 matches played, but Djokovic is set to leave her and Federer in the dust.

He has, however, followed in the footsteps of the American icon in another feat, with Djokovic becoming the second player in the Open Era after Williams to clinch 150 Grand Slam singles wins after turning 30, as per OptaAce.

But he does not look like slowing down anytime soon, and is likely to add a few more to his total at the 2025 Australian Open.

The veteran will, however, face his toughest test on paper when he meets Machac, in what is a battle between the seventh and 26th seeds.

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They have only met twice on the ATP Tour, with their next meeting finely poised given that they have one win each.

This is, however, the first Grand Slam encounter between Djokovic and Machac, with an Australian Open fourth round spot now up for grabs.