Aug 19, 2018; Mason, OH, USA; Roger Federer (left) and Novak Djokovic (right) pose for photos after the finals in the Western and Southern tennis open at Lindner Family Tennis Center.

tennis

Novak Djokovic Set to Match Roger Federer’s Sensational Record at Australian Open 2026

Djokovic resumes the quest for his 25th Grand Slam title in 2026.

Aug 19, 2018; Mason, OH, USA; Roger Federer (left) and Novak Djokovic (right) pose for photos after the finals in the Western and Southern tennis open at Lindner Family Tennis Center.

World No. 4 Novak Djokovic is set to equal a phenomenal Grand Slam record currently held by 20-time major champion Roger Federer and Spanish southpaw Feliciano Lopez in 2026. Provided the 38-year-old competes at the Australian Open in Melbourne Park, he will join his retired counterparts in the elite list. Djokovic ended the 2025 campaign by capturing his 101st career trophy at the Hellenic Championship in Athens.

The concerned record is that of most appearances in the main draw of Grand Slam tournaments in the Open Era. Federer and Lopez are currently tied at the top spot with 81 participations each. With ‘Nole’ likely to take part in the first major of the upcoming season, he is set to join his former colleagues at the top spot. Djokovic is searching for his record extending 25th Grand Slam championship on the ATP circuit.

81 – In appearing at the Australian Open 2026, Novak Djokovic will make his 81st appearance in a Grand Slam, equalling Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez for the most appearances in Men's Singles Grand Slams during the Open Era. Longevity. @AustralianOpen @atptour pic.twitter.com/KRUgfUzIpZ
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) December 13, 2025

In 2025, Djokovic reached the semifinals of all four majors. He also won titles at Geneva and Athens, and finished as the runner-up at the Miami Masters. The Serb was battling to remain within the Top-5 of the rankings throughout the season, and finished the year at No. 4 in the world with his impressive 39-11 record.

Novak Djokovic Believes He Can Win 25th Grand Slam

Despite his supremely high level, Djokovic’s dominance has been halted by the rise of two young forces in men’s tennis – Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Currently ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, the duo has split the last eight majors among themselves. In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Djokovic divulged the challenges of keeping up with the youngsters at the age of 38. In spite of the fading probability, he also reiterated his self belief in terms of winning another Grand Slam.

“I got a slap from reality in the last couple of years, I’m just getting to know this new chapter,” he said. The Djoker has a combined head-to-head record of 9-10 against ‘Sincaraz’ thus far. “I’m aware that my best level now and their best level now [when compared], they are better. That’s the reality.

“I have always believed in things that are almost impossible to achieve. I do have doubts that I can win Slams against these two guys. But when I enter the court, I don’t care who’s across the net. I always believe that I’m better and I deserve to win.”

Couldn’t celebrate 101 without some Dalmatians 😆 pic.twitter.com/4B2Lw4vypP
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 10, 2025

Can Novak Djokovic capitalize on his 81st Grand Slam main draw appearance and defy all odds at his strongest major – the 2026 Australian Open? We will have our answer in just over a month.

(Image Credits: Aaron Doster, Imagn Images)

ATP

Australian Open

Feliciano Lopez

Novak Djokovic

Roger Federer

Tennis

Wimbledon

Sankalp Harikrishnan

A passionate sports fan through and through, I am currently pursuing my MA in Global Sports Journalism. I specialise in tennis and football writing at The Playoffs News, and I have prior experience working at EssentiallySports and Sportskeeda. Born and raised in Bengaluru, India, sport was my safe space right from my childhood. After trying my hand at multiple sports and representing my educational institutions in cricket, badminton and table tennis, I found sports media to be my calling.