Novak Djokovic sets new all-time record after instantly creating history and matching Roger Federer at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic hadn’t even picked up his racket before he made tennis history at the Australian Open on Monday.

And he eventually went on to set an all-time record in the sport by beating Pedro Martinez in straight sets at the Rod Laver Arena.

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A remarkable record was equalled as soon as he walked out onto the court to face Martinez in their first-round clash.

The Serbian icon has now made the most men’s Grand Slam main draw appearances of all time, with this being the 81st of his career.

He has tied the legendary Roger Federer at the impressive number, also equalling Feliciano Lopez at the same time.

It means Djokovic can become the outright leader for Grand Slam appearances at the French Open later this year.

The 38-year-old made his first-ever appearance in a Grand Slam 21 years ago at the 2005 Australian Open.

He took on the World No.4 at the time, Marat Safin, and was thrashed by the Russian, who was also a US Open champion, in straight sets.

Djokovic was beaten 6-0, 6-2, 6-1 to crash out in the first round.

Safin went on to win the title that year, while the defeat for Djokovic remains one of the heaviest in his entire career to date.

Now a veteran, he is eyeing a record 25th major title at the 2026 Australian Open, having become an icon of the sport.

He holds the record for the most titles in Melbourne with 10, and he will hope to extend that with another historic win.

Djokovic beat Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round and looks to be on his way to keeping that dream alive for now.

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A new all-time record

Djokovic went on to move clear of Federer and set another record by beating Martinez in Melbourne on Monday.

He became the first male player ever to win 100 or more matches at three separate Grand Slam events, having done so at the French Open (101) and at Wimbledon (102).

Federer and Djokovic were level at two events, but with the latter previously on 99 wins Down Under, his victory in the first round has seen him make more history.

On top of that, he now has the chance to break Federer’s record for the most wins ever at the Australian Open, 102.

Djokovic sits on 100 heading into the second round and will be hopeful of claiming three more wins to beat the Swiss legend.

He can also become the first man to reach 400 Grand Slam match wins in total with another two victories.

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What has Djokovic said?

Speaking after his first-round win, Djokovic said: “It’s great to be back. This is definitely my favourite court, one that has given me so much.

“I try to give it back as much as I could over the last 20-plus years and hopefully you guys enjoyed the tennis tonight.”

On winning his 100th game in Melbourne, he added: “What can I say? I like the sound of it. To be a centurion is a pretty nice feeling.

“I always give my best whenever I’m on the court. History-making is a great motivation – and particularly in the last five, 10 years of my career.

“I’m blessed to still be playing at this level and claiming another win tonight is obviously a dream come true.”