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The ten-time Australian Open winner posted a 6-1, 6(4)-7, 6-3, 6-2 win over the Portuguese Faria in the second round and will take on Czech star Thomas Machac in his third round encounter.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after defeating Jaime Faria of Portugal in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Serbian legend Novak Djokovic moved into the third round of the 2025 edition of the Australian Open with a triumph over Jaime Faria on Wednesday at the Rod Laver Arena.
The ten-time Australian Open winner posted a 6-1, 6(4)-7, 6-3, 6-2 win over the Portuguese Faria in the second round and will take on Czech star Thomas Machac in his third round encounter.
Djokovic, who is chasing a record-extending 11th Australian Open title, also smashed yet another record as he went past Swiss great Roger Federer for the most Grand Slam singles matches played.
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“I love this sport, I love competition,” Djokovic said following the conclusion of the second-round game.
“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,” the Serbian added.
“Whether I win or lose, I will always leave my heart out on the court. I’m just blessed to be making another record,” he continued.
Djokovic, who needed four sets to get past his first-round opponent Nishesh Basavareddy in his opening game, yet again took as many sets to move past Faria on Wednesday but added that the Portuguese player had impressed him.
“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,” the 37-year-old reflected.
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Carlos Alcaraz steamrolled his way into the third round on the back of a 6-0 6-1 6-4 triumph over Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan. The 21-year-old Spaniard will take on Nuno Borges in the third round of the year’s first Grand Slam event.
Two-time defending women’s champion Aryban Sabalenka cruised into the third round with a 6-3, 7-5 over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Wednesday.
