Serbian great Novak Djokovic moved into the fourth round of the men’s singles at the ongoing Australian Open 2026 on Friday, continuing his record-setting run at the season’s first Grand Slam.
Djokovic defeated Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) in a match that tested the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s composure, particularly in the closing stages.
After cruising through the opening two sets, Djokovic faced stiff resistance in the third, which went to a tense tie-break. An unforced error from van de Zandschulp ultimately handed Djokovic the win.
The victory marked Djokovic’s 400th career match win at a Grand Slam and his 102nd win at the Australian Open, placing him level with the highest tournament win tally in men’s singles history.
Meanwhile, defending two-time champion Jannik Sinner advanced to the fourth round after overcoming Eliot Spizzirri in four sets at Rod Laver Arena. Sinner recovered from losing the opening set to register a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory in a physically demanding contest that lasted nearly four hours.
In the women’s singles, defending champion Madison Keys continued her impressive form, defeating former world number one Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 6-3 to extend her unbeaten run at the tournament to ten matches.
Keys will next face Jessica Pegula in the round of 16, renewing a familiar rivalry on Australian soil.
World number two Iga Swiatek also booked her place in the fourth round with a hard-fought win over Anna Kalinskaya. Swiatek claimed the first set 6-1, dropped the second by the same scoreline, and then dominated the decider 6-1 to seal the match.
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