The Master and the Apprentice: Djokovic hits 400 Grand Slam wins to set up Mensik rematch
Novak Djokovic made history on Saturday by becoming the first player to reach 400 Grand Slam singles wins, securing a fourth-round clash against 20-year-old Jakub Mensik, the man who famously upset him in Miami last year.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2026 | © Psnewz
History was not just made but decimated on Saturday night at Melbourne Park. The 10-time champion Novak Djokovic secured a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(5) victory over Botic van de Zandschulp to reach the Australian Open Round of 16 for the eighteenth time. In doing so, the 38-year-old became the first player in the Open Era, male or female, to win 400 singles matches at Grand Slam events. He also tied Roger Federer’s record of 102 match wins at the Australian Open, a staggering feat for the oldest man left in the draw.
Despite the milestone, the match was not without its moments of tension. Late in the second set, Djokovic narrowly avoided a disqualification scare after hitting a loose ball that came close to a ball kid.
Addressing the incident, Djokovic was candid: “Yeah, I apologized for that. That was not necessary and in the heat of the moment. Yeah, I was lucky there, and I’m sorry for causing any distress to the ball kid or anybody.” On the court, he remains perfect this fortnight, winning nine out of nine sets played. “I try honestly not thinking about managing the energy on the court in terms of, you know, being economic or saving something for the later rounds, because it’s just I don’t feel that’s the right mindset,” Djokovic noted regarding his physical state.
Mensik’s rise and the hunger for a repeat upset
Standing in the way of Djokovic’s quest for an 11th title is the rising Czech star Jakub Mensik. The 20-year-old reached his first-ever Grand Slam second week by defeating Ethan Quinn 6-2, 7-6(5), 7-6(5). It was a performance defined by poise and “clutch” serving; Mensik recovered from 2-5 down in the second set and 3-5 in the third-set tiebreak to secure his seventh consecutive win. This marks his longest winning streak since March 2025, when he stunned the tennis world by defeating Djokovic in the Miami final.
“It was a battle of serves. I’m happy I stayed focused in the end of both 2nd and 3rd sets,” Mensik said following his breakthrough. The youngster is under no illusions about the magnitude of the task ahead on Rod Laver Arena. On the prospect of facing the 24-time major winner, Mensik stated: “There is no tougher opponent at the Australian Open. The 10-time champ. I will do my best and go there hungry.”
Strategic recovery vs young weapons
While Mensik relies on his youth and a game full of “weapons,” Djokovic is leaning into a strategic approach to longevity. The world No 1 revealed he has been skipping practice days to preserve his body. “I haven’t practiced yesterday, or between first, second round I had two days. One day I didn’t practice. The second I did… because I’m obviously trying to be strategic, talking with my team to what’s more important, you know,” Djokovic explained.
The upcoming fourth round is a rare “master vs apprentice” encounter with a genuine edge. Mensik knows he can beat Djokovic on a big stage, and Djokovic knows that the 20-year-old possesses the firepower to disrupt his rhythm. As the 10-time champion chases his 401st Grand Slam win, the tennis world will be watching to see if the “hungry” Czech can halt the most dominant force in Melbourne history once again.
