Djokovic Nears 400th Grand Slam Win as 40‑Year‑Old Wawrinka Reaches Third Round
Updated (3 articles)
Djokovic Inches Toward 400‑Win Milestone Novak Djokovic dispatched Francesco Maestrelli 6‑3 6‑2 6‑2 to reach 399 Grand Slam victories, leaving him one win shy of a historic 400th win and positioning him for a potential record 25th major title and the oldest Open‑Era champion title [1][3]. The straight‑set win also marked his 100th victory at Melbourne Park, making him the first man with 100+ wins at three different Grand Slams [3]. Djokovic highlighted the value of the offseason for fine‑tuning his game as he pursues longevity at the elite level [1].
Wawrinka Becomes First Over‑40 Player to Reach Third Round At 40 years 310 days, Stan Wawrinka defeated Arthur Gea in a 4½‑hour, five‑set thriller, winning the deciding tiebreak 10‑3 and becoming the first man over 40 to reach the Australian Open third round since Ken Rosewall in 1978 [1][2]. The victory sets up a third‑round clash with Taylor Fritz, and Wawrinka reiterated that 2026 will be his final year on tour before retirement [2].
Crowd Attendance Sets New Melbourne Park Records Combined day‑and‑night attendance on Jan 22 reached a tournament record 103,720 spectators, while a single‑day total of 101,696 was recorded on Jan 19, underscoring the event’s growing popularity [1][3]. These figures surpassed previous daily highs and reflected strong fan engagement despite the national day of mourning for Bondi Beach shooting victims [1].
Veteran and Young Stars Both Shine Marin Cilic advanced in straight sets, framing his win as evidence of veteran durability, while Jannik Sinner extended his unbeaten run to 12 matches without dropping a set, eyeing a potential semi‑final against Djokovic [2][1]. Coco Gauff overcame early double‑fault issues to defeat Kamilla Rakhimova, and younger players Lorenzo Musetti and Ben Shelton also progressed, highlighting a blend of experience and emerging talent across the tournament [2][1].
Sources
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1.
AP: Djokovic within one win of 400 Grand Slam victories as Wawrinka makes Open history: Provides detailed coverage of Djokovic’s 399th win, his 400‑win chase, Wawrinka’s age‑record third‑round achievement, Sinner’s progress, Osaka’s tension, and record crowds, plus Djokovic’s offseason focus
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2.
BBC: Wawrinka wins epic to reach Australian Open third round as Djokovic and Cilic advance: Highlights Wawrinka’s marathon five‑set victory, Djokovic’s straight‑set win and 25th‑title ambition, Cilic’s veteran form, and notes Wawrinka’s retirement at year‑end
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3.
AP: Świątek advances in Australian Open as Djokovic seals 100th Melbourne Park win: Reports Djokovic’s 100th Melbourne Park win, his historic 100+ wins at three Slams, daily attendance record, and Wawrinka’s farewell season start
Timeline
Jan 19, 2026 – Novak Djokovic records his 100th win at Melbourne Park, becoming the first man with 100+ victories at three different Grand Slams as he defeats Pedro Martínez in straight sets and nods to the milestone while pursuing a 25th major title[3].
Jan 19, 2026 – Iga Świątek survives a shaky start to beat Yuan Yue 7‑6(5), 6‑3, saving a love game and noting “room for improvement after a rusty start,” keeping her on track for a first Australian Open crown and a career Grand Slam[3].
Jan 19, 2026 – Stan Wawrinka opens his announced farewell season with a four‑set comeback win over Laslo Djere, saying he “still has passion and wants to extend his competitive chapter one more time” as a 40‑year‑old veteran[3].
Jan 19, 2026 – Melbourne Park sets a new single‑day attendance record of 101,696 fans, underscoring the tournament’s growing popularity[3].
Jan 19, 2026 – Australian qualifier Marina Stakusic collapses with severe leg cramps and is taken off in a wheelchair, highlighting the physical toll of the opening rounds[3].
Jan 22, 2026 – Stan Wawrinka, at 40 years 310 days, becomes the first man over 40 to reach the Australian Open third round since Ken Rosewall in 1978, after a 4½‑hour five‑set win over Arthur Gea, and looks ahead to a fourth‑round match with Taylor Fritz[2][1].
Jan 22, 2026 – Novak Djokovic moves within one win of 400 Grand Slam victories, reaching 399 after a straight‑sets win over Francesco Maestrelli, and says “having more time in the offseason lets me fine‑tune my game and focus on elements that can help me perform at the highest level at an advanced age”[2].
Jan 22, 2026 – Naomi Osaka defeats Sorana Cîrstea 6‑3, 4‑6, 6‑2 and hints that “this could be my last Australian Open,” adding emotional weight to her match[2].
Jan 22, 2026 – The combined day‑and‑night attendance hits a tournament record of 103,720, while a moment of silence honors the Bondi Beach shooting victims, reflecting national mourning alongside sport[2].
Jan 22, 2026 – Jannik Sinner extends his unbeaten run to 12 matches without dropping a set, beating James Duckworth 6‑1, 6‑4, 6‑2 and positioning himself for a potential semi‑final clash with Djokovic as he chases a third consecutive Melbourne title[1].
Jan 22, 2026 – Marin Cilic advances in straight sets over Denis Shapovalov, framing the win as proof of veteran players’ viability into their mid‑30s and setting up a third‑round meeting with Casper Ruud[1].
Jan 22, 2026 – Future outlook: Wawrinka has announced he will retire at the end of 2026, making his Australian Open run a farewell tour[1]; Djokovic aims to become the oldest Open Era champion by winning a 25th major; and Sinner targets a third straight Australian Open title[1].