Novak Djokovic heads into Australian Open R4 as Melbourne milestone established | ATP Tour

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Djokovic saves set point, advances to Australian Open fourth round, Melbourne milestone continues to rise

The gap between the former world number one and the sinner has narrowed to two wins

January 24, 2026

Novak Djokovic moves closer to a potential semifinal blockbuster showdown with Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open on Saturday, notching a series of historic milestones along the way.

The record ten-time champion was impressed in his 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) win over Botic van de Zandschulp but was handed a fourth-round spot for the 18th time in 21 appearances at Melbourne Park. The victory marked Djokovic’s 400th win at a Grand Slam – the most by any player in the Open era – and his 102nd at the Australian Open, tying Roger Federer’s tournament record.

“It’s a good start to the match,” Djokovic said when asked about his fitness. “But I’m not going to get ahead of myself. I learned my lesson last year, I got ahead of myself too early in some majors. I’m trying to give these young guys money. I’m still in it. I’m going to keep at it.”

Another milestone 👏@DjokerNole #AO26 pic.twitter.com/GG4rFEjdqI

— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 24, 2026

Djokovic, the fourth-ranked player in the PIF ATP rankings, will next face either Jakub Mencic or Ethan Quinn. Djokovic has yet to drop a set in Melbourne and is now just two wins away from a potential semi-final clash with two-time defending champion Sinner, who earlier overcame cramps to secure his place in the fourth round.

“Obviously Alcaraz and Sinner are two of the best players in the world,” Djokovic said. “They’re not at the same level as all of us right now, but when you get on the field and the ball rolls, you always have a chance, especially on the field, and that gives me the most chances I’ve ever had in my career.”

After losing to Van der Zande Schulp in Indian Wells last year, Djokovic realized he needed to start fast, and he did. He hit 12 winners in the first set, made only seven unforced errors and saved the only break point he faced, according to Infosys Stats.

Van der Zandschulp required a medical timeout to treat his right shoulder after trailing 3-0 in the second set and briefly took advantage of Djokovic’s rare lapse in concentration. The fourth seed quickly regained control, but he fell in the third game of the third set and received a medical timeout.

Although Djokovic lost his serve in the subsequent game, Djokovic fought back and saved two set points at 5-6, eventually expanding the score to 2-1 after 2 hours and 44 minutes in the Lexus ATP Series with the Dutch.