"My little revenge": Naomi Osaka bests Karolina Muchova in Melbourne, gets justice for US Open outfit

On Wednesday, the Serbian was pushed to four sets for the second consecutive round at the Australian Open by a motivated opponent ranked outside of the Top 100. Resetting after Jaime Faria split sets, Djokovic eventually seized control to advance, 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-2.

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Djokovic is now a remarkable 96-9 at the Australian Open.

Afterwards, the 24-time major winner was asked about being tested at Melbourne Park by rising younger talent, having also played a four-setter with 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy. Djokovic opted to take a fresh page from the Medvedev quote book that the No. 5 seed added Tuesday when he survived a five-set challenge against world No. 418 Kasidit Samrej.

“In the wise words of Mr. Daniil Medvedev, if the future generation plays this way, they’re gonna have everything: money, girls, casino,” said Djokovic as laughter erupted inside Rod Laver Arena.

“I just love that statement. I had to say it!”

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Djokovic set the record for most Grand Slam matches played in the Open Era by any player with 430, surpassing Roger Federer. With his family in the stands for the latest notable achievement, the Belgrade native was asked to spill about hitting the waves together days earlier.

“I was more of a moral and physical support to my children and my wife. They were the ones surfing. I didn’t want to risk it, to be honest,” shared Djokovic. “Hopefully I’m gonna go deep in the tournament and after I’m done, maybe I’ll give it a try.”

For a return to the second week Down Under, the 10-time winner here battles 26th seed Tomas Machac. The Czech edged Reilly Opelka, who took out Djokovic at the Brisbane International, with a 3-6, 7-6 (1), 6-7 (5), 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory.