Novak Djokovic (Image: Getty)
Novak Djokovic said he was “blessed” to set another record after he overtook ’s tally to win his 430th Grand Slam singles match at the .
And the 10-time champion celebrated by blowing a kiss to his new coach .
The Serbian superstar dropped a set for the second match running here and shouted into his towel in frustration during a changeover against world No.125 Jaime Faria.
He also complained about the floodlights coming on during his troubled second set – and got them switched off.
But Djokovic, who is seeking a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, got a grip on the match to win 6-1 6-7 6-3 6-2. He sealed the win – and yet another record – with his 14th ace.
The Olympic champion has now won 379 out his 430 Grand Slam matches dating back to his debut here in 2005. He had equalled Federer’s total with his first round win.
“I love this sport,” said the No.7 seed. “I love the competition. I try to give my best in every single tournament. It’’s over 20 years I have been coming to Grand Slams. If I win or lose, one thing is for sure. I will always leave my heart on the court. Grand Slams are the pillars of our sport. They motivate the young children. Grand Slams are definitely the most important tournaments in our sport. I am blessed to make another record today.”
Novak Djokovic beat Jaime Faria (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Portugal’s Faria was playing is making his Grand Slam debut and recorded his first ever Tour-level win in the first round. But the 21-year-old troubled Djokovic in the second set when he broke the Serb’s serve twice and played a brilliant forehand drop shot on set point in the tiebreak.
Djokovic asked for advice from Murray who was sitting courtside in the coaching pods along with the Serb’s entourage before turning around the match – and avoiding his worst ever Grand Slam defeat. He has still not lost in 28 matches against qualifiers – and the lowest-ranked player to beat him in a Major remains world No.117 Denis Istomin in there second round here in 2017.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner said: “I responded very well in the third and particularly fourth set the way I needed to.
“As said after winning in five sets yesterday: ‘If the future generation play this way, they will have money, girls and casinos! I loved that and wanted to say it again. He was playing lights out tennis. I had to weather the storm. He was practically serving two first serves all match. He had nothing to lose. He is a big guy. I told him at the net that the future is bright for him. He should keep going.”
Djokovic will now face No.26 seed Tomas Machac who beat Reilly Opelka – the big-serving American who shocked Djokovic in Brisbane earlier this month – in the third round.
The Czech won their last meeting on clay in the semi-finals in Geneva last summer.