Record-setting Djokovic trumps Federer on way to Melbourne third round

Novak Djokovic dropped a set but regrouped to reach the Australian Open third round on Wednesday and in doing so surpass fellow great Roger Federer for the most Grand Slam singles matches played.

The 37-year-old faced stiff resistance from fearless Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria before winning 6-1, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena to set up a clash with Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac.

It was Djokovic's 430th Slam contest to claim sole ownership of most singles matches played, men or women, in the Open era ahead of Federer (429) and Serena Williams (423).

No one else has played 400 or more.

"I love this sport, I love competition," said Djokovic, who is into the third round in Melbourne for a 17th straight year.

"I try to give my best every single time. It's been over 20 years that I've been competing in Grand Slams at the highest level.

"Whether I win or lose, I will always leave my heart out on the court. I'm just blessed to be making another record."

Djokovic was given a fright in the first round by American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy, ranked 107, who also pushed him to four sets.

The Serb said afterwards that the way he fought back boded well in his quest for an 11th Australian Open title and record 25th Grand Slam crown.

Watched once again by new coach Andy Murray, he was more like his old self to start against 125th-ranked Faria, barely giving the 21-year-old a look in.

Djokovic opened his account with a service hold to love then pounced to break Faria for 3-1 when a backhand went long.

He was well into his groove and another break for 5-1 sent him on his way to the opening set in just 30 minutes.

The big-serving Faria's victory in the first round against Pavel Kotov was his maiden Tour-level win and the inexperienced youngster appeared to be out of his depth.

Miraculously he rallied in the second set as Djokovic's frustrations bubbled to the surface, breaking twice to race 4-2 clear.

Faria lost his nerve serving for the set at 5-3, broken to love with Djokovic producing a gold-plated crosscourt winner to haul himself back.

It went to a tiebreak where this time Faria made no mistake, taking the set with a quality drop shot, pumping his fists in celebration.

But seasoned campaigner Djokovic reset and with the stadium roof now closed due to rain, he flicked a switch to take charge of the third set as Faria began wilting.

The Portuguese battler was spent with Djokovic's composure and experience coming to the fore as he romped through the fourth set to stay on track for another title.

"He was playing lights-out tennis," said Djokovic. "He's a young guy. I told him at the net the future is bright for him."

Stunning defeat

Last year's runner-up Zheng Qinwen was sent crashing out of the Australian Open second round on Wednesday as her bid to emulate Chinese compatriot Li Na's 2014 triumph evaporated after a shock 7-6(3) 6-3 defeat by unseeded German Laura Siegemund.

Zheng, who lost to Aryna Sabalenka in the title decider at Melbourne Park 12 months ago, said she had been bothered by some fitness issues after her run to the final of the WTA season-ending championship in November.

The 22-year-old felt she had not had the ideal build up to the year's first Grand Slam after having to miss tune-up events.

"For me, there was no chance to play a tournament before the Australian Open because the time was so rushed," said Zheng.

"I got some small issues after the WTA Finals. I discussed with my team if we have to come to the Australian Open or no.

"I'm the one forcing (them). My team said no. I've got to come here and try to play a slam. That's the tricky situation. There are issues in my body that haven't been solved yet."

China's Qinwen Zheng looks dejected after losing her second round match.Reuters

The Olympic champion looked out of sorts in the opening match of the day on John Cain Arena as Siegemund came out all guns blazing and rode her luck at times to clinch a tight opening set in the tiebreak.

"I had lot of chance to break her in the first set, but in that moment maybe my concentration wasn't there," said Zheng. "I made mistakes in those moments.

"It was a bit tricky for me in the first set, a tricky way to lose it, because I didn't perform good enough.

"At the same time, I felt she was playing really good today. Yeah, it's tennis. Nothing more."

An early break in the next set handed the 36-year-old German the advantage and although fifth seed Zheng fought back with one of her own, she quickly found herself 3-1 down.

World number 97 Siegemund delivered the final blow on serve and dropped to the floor with her hands covering her face while Zheng left the court shortly afterwards, looking like she was ready to burst into tears.

"I knew I just had to play more than my best tennis," said Siegemund, who earned her first top 10 win since 2022.

"I had nothing to lose so I told myself to swing free. She's an amazing player, she's one of the best players now. But I know I can play and I just wanted to make it a tough fight."

Siegemund, the second oldest woman in the draw, takes on Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Anastasia Potapova next.