‘Grand Slam wins are what count’: Djokovic ranks alongside Federer

He retired ahead of his ‘Big Three’ rival Roger Federer, a man with whom he dueled in a quartet of Australian Open semi-finals.

“This sport has always given me so much in my life, an opportunity to play at Grand Slams,” Djokovic told reporters. “I try not to take it for granted after great achievements, of which I am very proud.

“Of course, Grand Slam matches and Grand Slam wins are what count the most in our sport. I’m very excited about that.”

Djokovic took a somewhat circuitous route on Wednesday to get the win over the 21-year-old Portuguese qualifier, who had never won a top-tier tennis match or been in a Grand Slam main draw before arriving in Melbourne.

A set and break lead disappeared, although Djokovic won a remarkable cat-and-mouse point that his coach, Andy Murray, nurtured during the second-set drama.

He scrambled, defended instinctively, hit a lob and then finished the point at the net.

“It’s always difficult to play against those kinds of opponents, mentally to maintain that level,” Djokovic said. “Obviously, you don’t know if maybe they’ll fold under the pressure of playing in center field or if they’ll actually go the other way.

“A big test for me. I wish I was maybe one set less on the court.”