Novak Djokovic needs 12 matches at Majors to become the second player in the ‘Club 400’ and join Roger Federer on the exclusive list. Novak stands on 388 encounters at Majors, and his 350th came at Roland Garros two years ago.
By the will of destiny, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic played their second-round duels on the same day, finishing it with 1001 matches at Majors combined! Federer stood on 423, while Djokovic celebrated the milestone 350th with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Pablo Cuevas.
The Serb debuted on the big scene at the 2005 Australian Open as a qualifier, losing to Marat Safin in the opening round and becoming one of the players to beat a couple of years later. Since 2011, Novak has been the most consistent player at Majors, claiming 17 titles before the 2021 Roland Garros and entering the GOAT race with Roger and Rafa.
Novak Djokovic became the second player after Roger Federer with 350 Major matches.
Djokovic played well in his 350th match at Majors and left Cuevas behind to advance into the third round for the 16th consecutive year in Paris!
Novak fired 32 winners and 22 unforced errors to control the pace against the rival who gave his best and still finished empty-handed. Cuevas created nine break chances and converted one at the beginning of the clash. Despite a solid effort, he got broken five times to end his journey in the second round.
They traded breaks in the opener’s games three and four to stay neck and neck. Novak claimed the last three games from 3-3 and sealed the opener with an ace down the T line in game nine. Djokovic stood miles in front in set number two, losing only four points behind the initial shot and keeping the pressure on the other side.
The Serb produced breaks in games one and five to forge a 4-1 lead. World no. 1 held at 15 in game eight with a service winner for a 6-3, 6-2 lead after swift 70 minutes, looking good to seal the deal in the third set. Pablo netted a backhand in the first game, and Novak defended four break chances in games two and four to remain in front.
The Serb held at 15 at 4-3, and Cuevas stayed in contention with another fine hold, serving well after that break he suffered. Serving for the victory at 5-4, Djokovic held at love with an ace to seal the deal and advance into the third round, happy with how he performed in his 350th match at Majors.
