Novak
Djokovic has joined the prestigious 100 Club at the
Australian Open, becoming
the third player to reach that remarkable milestone in the tournament. The
Serbian icon now stands alongside the legendary
Roger Federer and Serena
Williams, although he currently has no chance of surpassing them in the
rankings, at least not during 2024.
Djokovic
holds the record as the most decorated champion of the Australian Open,
boasting an impressive tally of 10 titles in 18 appearances at the tournament.
The Serbian maestro clinched the title in the last four editions he
participated in the main draw, showcasing an extraordinary streak of 31
consecutive victories (considering the ongoing tournament). Djokovic boasts an
unparalleled record of 89-8 (92%), establishing his dominance in the event, a
feat only rivaled by Rafael Nadal at the French Open (97%).
The 100
Club achievers - Federer and Williams
Roger
Federer, the Swiss maestro, participated in the tournament 21 times and secured
victory on six occasions: 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, and 2018. He
accumulated a remarkable record of 102 wins and 15 losses, translating to an
87% success rate. Federer also reached one final and eight semifinals in
Melbourne.
On the
other hand,
Serena Williams graced the Australian Open stage 20 times
throughout her illustrious career, claiming the title seven times: 2003, 2005,
2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, and 2017. She notched up a total of 92 victories and 13
defeats, boasting an impressive 88% success rate.
Djokovic's journey
to the fourth round
Novak
Djokovic commenced his 2024 Australian Open campaign on a positive note,
extending his consecutive win streak in Melbourne to 31. In the first round, he
faced the young Dino Prizmic (No. 187), who posed a challenge from the start.
Djokovic had some tough moments in the match but ultimately prevailed with a
6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 victory.
In the
second round, he encountered local player Alexei Popyrin (No. 43), and once
again, it was not an easy task to overcome him. Djokovic secured a hard-fought
win with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-3. Djokovic has shown improvement as
the matches progressed and displayed dominance in the third round, eliminating
the 30th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry with a convincing 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(2)
triumph. His next opponent will be the 20th seed Adrian Mannarino, who
surprised the 20-year-old rising star Ben Shelton (No. 16) to secure his spot
in the round of 16.