Tennis: Djokovic breaks Federer’s record for most Grand Slam matches

World number one and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has surpassed another milestone, breaking Roger Federer’s record as the player with the most Grand Slam matches in history.

Djokovic, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in tennis history, has won 24 Grand Slam titles, including a record 10 Australian Opens. He has reached more major finals and won more Grand Slam matches than any other player in the Open Era.

Having reached the semi-finals of last year’s Australian Open, the Serbian star is determined to reclaim the title he last won in 2024. Djokovic opened his 2025 campaign with a first-round victory over Nishesh Basavareddy, overcoming a first-set deficit.

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In the second round, Djokovic faced Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria, ranked 125th in the world. Despite a challenging match, Djokovic emerged victorious with a 6-1, 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 win. The match marked Djokovic’s 430th Grand Slam appearance, surpassing the previous record of 429 matches held by Federer, who retired in 2022 with 20 Grand Slam titles.

Additionally, Djokovic became the first man over 30 to achieve 150 Grand Slam match wins. If he goes on to win the 2025 Australian Open, the 37-year-old will set another record as the oldest Grand Slam champion in the Open Era and the first to claim 25 Grand Slam singles titles.

Faria provided a stern challenge for Djokovic, who appeared physically troubled at times. After cruising through the first set, Djokovic lost five consecutive games in the second, expressing frustration with his performance and his opponent’s resilience. The match was briefly interrupted by rain, prompting the closure of the Rod Laver Arena roof.

Djokovic also voiced complaints about the court lights being turned on unnecessarily and received a time violation during the match. However, he regained control in the latter stages, breaking Faria’s serve at 4-2 in the fourth set to seal the victory.

Reflecting on the match, Djokovic said. “I think I responded very well, particularly in the third and fourth sets, the way I ended the match. He was playing lights-out tennis. Towards the end of the second and beginning of the third, I had to weather the storm. He’s been practically playing two first serves. I told him at the net the future is bright for him.”