Novak Djokovic secured a record-breaking win over Jaime Faria to land his spot in the third round of the Australian Open.
Djokovic played a 430th Grand Slam singles match against the Portuguese youngster, which he won 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2.
The Serbian legend is currently chasing a 100th ATP Tour title at the Australian Open, where he is the seventh seed.
Djokovic has been backed to win the Australian Open this month, having already clinched the title a record 10 times.
Tomas Machac now awaits in the third round for Djokovic, with the duo posting one win each from their two ATP meetings.
Novak Djokovic tips Jaime Faria for ‘bright future’ after Australian Open clash
It certainly hasn’t been a straightforward route for the veteran thus far, having often been troubled by Faria and indeed by Nishesh Basavareddy in round one.
Both youngsters were making their Grand Slam debuts, with their inexperience evident as Djokovic eventually emerged victorious on both occasions.
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The victor has now taken to social media following his latest win, writing 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.”
Jaime Faria makes tennis history despite Australian Open loss to Novak Djokovic
Unsurprisingly, 21-year-old Faria enjoyed the occasion despite the loss, with the Portuguese youngster heading for a bright future indeed.
The qualifier also took to social media after the match, writing on his Instagram story: “Special day. Thanks everyone for the support.”
He did incidentally become a history maker despite the defeat, with Faria becoming the first Portuguese player to win a set against Djokovic, with the Serbian having won the previous 17, as per OptaAce.
In the first ATP meeting between the pair, not only did the veteran not know what to expect from his opponent, but the youngster simply had nothing to lose.
And he certainly played that way thanks to an aggressive approach that impressed Djokovic, but ultimately wasn’t enough to secure a shock win.
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