Novak Djokovic is on his career-best streak at the Australian Open. Novak defeated Andrey Rublev in the quarter-final to secure his 26th straight victory in Melbourne, matching his former coach Andre Agassi. Djokovic will try to become the record-holder against Tommy Paul in Friday’s semi-final, not losing a match in Melbourne since 2018 when he failed against Hyeon Chung. Novak has embraced two Australian Open streaks with 25 wins after the first one between 2011 and 2014. Thus, the Serb became the third player with two runs with at least 25 consecutive triumphs at a single Major. Pete Sampras did that at Wimbledon, losing only one match between 1993 and 2001 and scoring 25 and 31 wins in a row in the cathedral of tennis. Rafael Nadal has lost only three encounters at Roland Garros since 2005, embracing three streaks with over 30 wins, a feat that no one will ever repeat!
As we already said, Novak’s first notable Australian Open streak came between 2011 and 2014, becoming the first player with three titles in a row in Melbourne. Almost ten years later, Djokovic is capable of another incredible run at his most successful Major despite turning 36 in May. Djokovic won the Australian Open in 2019, 2020 and 2021 following wins over Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev in the title clashes. The Serb had to skip the Australian Open last year after a ten-day visa saga and returned stronger in 2023. Despite a hamstring injury, Djokovic has won five matches at Rod Laver Arena and advanced into his tenth semi-final.
Novak Djokovic has won the previous 26 matches at the Australian Open.
Novak defeated Roberto Carballes Baena in the first round and struggled a bit against Enzo Couacaud in the second. The Frenchman claimed the second set in the tie break before the Serb shifted into a higher gear and delivered a bagel in the fourth set. Novak’s left leg did not look good against Grigor Dimitrov in the third round, asking for a medical timeout and barely prevailing in the opener. Djokovic used his experience and sealed the deal in straight sets to preserve energy for the upcoming duels. Novak felt much better on the court against Alex de Minaur, storming over the Aussie in two hours and six minutes and earning his 25th consecutive Australian Open victory. The 26th came against Andrey Rublev in the quarter-final. Djokovic was too strong again in a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 triumph that pushed him into the semi-final, his tenth at Melbourne Park.
