'I've been blessed': Novak Djokovic reflects on 'interesting life journey' in milestone match

Novak Djokovic is no newbie to winning tennis matches.

But even after collecting a whopping 24 grand slams, 10 of them at the Australian Open, the 36-year-old remains grateful for the journey he has been on.

Defeating Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry in straight sets (6-3, 6-3, 7-6) on Friday night to advance to the fourth round, Djokovic now faces French veteran Adrian Mannarino.

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In his 100th match in Melbourne, the 10-time Australian Open champion reflected on the sacrifices his family made to help him forge one of the most successful careers in tennis history.

"I've been blessed to go through a very interesting life journey," Djokovic told Nine post-match.

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"Coming from Serbia during (the) 90's wasn't easy for my family.

"My parents had to endure a lot of adversity economically, in every sense in order for me to live my dream, to allow me to play the sport that is very expensive and still is for our country.

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"I chose to play it and my parents did everything they possibly can to provide."

But it wasn't just money that played a big part in Djokovic's tough start, with a multitude of other factors holding his career back.

"I wasn't travelling for a few years in junior days, obviously because of lack of resources, war, embargo, a lot of different things," he said.

"But at the end of the day, when I reflect on all of the journey that I've been through, that we've all been through as a family, as people of Serbia, it's been an incredible blessing to be here. I'm very grateful for that."

All of Novak Djokovic's grand slam triumphs, in order

All of Novak Djokovic's grand slam triumphs, in order

Djokovic shot out to a 3-0 lead over Tomás Etcheverry in the third-set tiebreak before dominating 5-1 at the change of ends to take yet another victory.

"I'm pleased with the way I played throughout the entire match, particularly the first two sets," Djokovic said.

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"He (Etcheverry) stepped it up, he raised his level of tennis in the third set, we went toe-to-toe and ... closed up in straight sets."

As for his "healthy" tension with his box during matches, the world No.1 says it's all part of his journey.

"Whatever I say will be used against me," Djokovic joked.

"At times it's healthy, at times it's unhealthy. They are the people that are with me 24/7 and we go through some good times, some bad times, but it's all part of the journey.

"I'm by myself on the court, but off the coourt it's a team effort.

Djokovic faces Mannarino in the round of 16 on Monday 22 January.