Novak Djokovic has broken another of Roger Federer's records to stand alone as the player with the most Grand Slam matches.

Djokovic is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of tennis. He has won 24 Grand Slam titles, , has reached more major finals than any other player and has more match wins than any other player.

Having , the Serbian is looking to regain the title he last won in 2024. Djokovic opened his tournament with , having lost the first set.

That set up a second round tie against Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria, who is ranked 125th in the . Djokovic again had to battle for the win, but eventually overcame Faria 6-1 6-7 6-3 6-2 in sets.

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That game was Djokovic's 430th match at a Grand Slam event, surpassing the record he previously held jointly with Federer. The Swiss star retired in 2022, having won 20 Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic also became the first man over the age of 30 to reach 150 Grand Slam wins by seeing off Faria. If wins the Australian Open, the 37-year-old will become the oldest player in the open era to win a Slam, as well as the first to win 25 Grand Slam singles titles.

Faria did not make it easy for him, with Djokovic at times appeared physically troubled. Having won the first set comfortably, Djokovic, who also lost a set against Nishesh Basavareddy on Monday, lost five games in a row from 2-0 up in the second.

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He vented his frustration loudly at his own game and looked towards his box in exasperation at some of the play from Faria. Djokovic also complained to the umpire about the lights having been switched on as clouds descended on Melbourne Park.

They were duly switched off again, before the match was disrupted by a short rain delay and closure of the roof on Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic received a time violation before the fifth game but finally broke serve to lead 4-2.

That proved to be the crucial moment, with Djokovic closing out the win. He said afterwards: “I think I responded very well, the third and in particular the fourth set, the way I ended up the match.

“He was playing lights-out tennis. Towards the end of the second and beginning of the third, I had to weather the storm. He’s been practically playing two first serves. I told him at the net the future is bright for him.”

Djokovic will have a day's break before taking on Tomas Machac in the next round. The Czech 26th seed survived a major test from giant American Reilly Opelka on Wednesday, winning 3-6 7-6 6-7 7-6 6-4.