Djoker’s Major achievement

new delhi: It was a great day for the oldies at the Australian Open on Wednesday. Novak Djokovic demolished one more record standing in the name of Roger Federer to win his 430th match at Grand Slams, proving he cannot be written off. This was not a Ferrari version of Djokovic on view but looked a bit like an old jalopy against qualifier Jaime Faria. In the end, Djokovic used his experience to win 6-1 6-7(4) 6-3 6-2.

In the punishing afternoon heat at the Rod Laver arena in Melbourne, Djokovic personified fitness, blending endurance with grit.

For those who have seen him win matches even when not fully fit, it’s a great sight. Djokovic adjusts his game and ensures he can outlast the opponent even in mind games. His second-round win may have looked least elegant but what’s important is that the Serbian is still a force to reckon with. To nothc 430 wins in Majors is no mean feat. For those who may be tempted to start comparing Djokovic with Federer or Serena Williams, it would be wrong. Serena won 423 matches in arguably the most defining career in women’s tennis. Then again, men’s tennis is more gruelling.

How much of preparation he has done in his career and how much he still loves the sport is defining. He has faced many problems in 2024. Yet, to win the Paris Olympics gold medal has been big and emotional for him. But can he win a 25th Grand Slam? Well, only time will tell. The importance of 430 singles wins in Grand Slams over a monumental career needs to be celebrated.

In another fantastic feat, a German lady pulled of a major upset as well. Relatively unknown, 36-year-old German Laura Siegemund showed an aggressive streak as she dumped Chinese superstar Zheng Qinwen in the second round. Last year, Qinwen had made the final at the Australian Open where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka. She had also won the Paris 2024 Olympics gold medal. Siegemund was strong in her game and showed that despite a singles ranking near the 100 mark, she still could go strong.