Djokovic Dominates Van de Zandschulp to Reach Australian Open Fourth Round

Novak Djokovic advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open on January 24, 2024, defeating Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp with a score of 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4). This victory marks Djokovic’s 102nd match win at Melbourne Park, equaling the record previously held by six-time champion Roger Federer. In doing so, Djokovic also became the first player to achieve 400 wins in Grand Slam tournaments.

Djokovic, a ten-time champion at this prestigious event, expressed his satisfaction following the match. “I feel really good. It’s been a great start,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded despite his success. “Things can change, and I’m not getting ahead of myself. Last year, I learned a lesson; I got too excited too early in some of the Slams, playing well and getting to the quarter-finals and semi-finals before getting injured.”

As he prepares for future matches, Djokovic acknowledged the rising talent in the sport, specifically mentioning young stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. “I’m still trying to give these young guys a push for their money,” he noted. “But when you enter the court and the ball rolls, you always have a chance, especially on this court. I look forward to a good battle.”

Match Highlights and Challenges

The match took place during a sweltering day, with play occurring under the main showcourt roofs. Djokovic quickly established a 5-3 lead, showcasing his skill with a stunning backhand crosscourt winner, which he celebrated by mimicking an airplane with his arms.

Despite some minor challenges, Djokovic maintained his composure. He secured a break in the second set when van de Zandschulp mishit a backhand. However, Djokovic did momentarily lose his cool, hitting a ball that narrowly missed a ball kid near the net. Fortunately, he avoided a code violation, reminiscent of the incident that led to his default at the 2020 U.S. Open.

In the third set, Djokovic faced a minor setback after slipping and sustaining a blister on his right foot. “A few points before [I fell], I almost twisted my ankle and wanted to see the physio for my blisters,” he explained. “Thankfully, I managed to have a good fall and protected myself. Things could have been very ugly in that moment.”

Despite these difficulties, Djokovic rallied, overcoming a break down to force a tiebreak, where he displayed his trademark resilience.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Djokovic is set to face either Jakub Mensik, the 16th seed, or Ethan Quinn in the next round. As he continues his quest for a standalone 25th Grand Slam title, Djokovic remains determined to demonstrate his enduring prowess on the court. The upcoming matches promise to be exciting as he competes against a new generation of players while trying to add to his illustrious career.