World No.1 Novak Djokovic is eager to have a blast in Perth as he places the gears in movement for his Australian Open title defence.
Djokovic landed in Perth on Thursday afternoon forward of the mixed-teams United Cup, which begins on Friday.
Serbia will tackle China and the Czech Republic within the group stage, with Djokovic set to face world No.58 Zhizhen Zhang and world No.31 Jiri Lehecka in his males’s singles matches.
Djokovic will carry the load for Serbia in Perth, however it’s the Australian Open that’s the important prize this summer time.
The 36-year-old gained three grand slams in 2023, together with a well-known victory on the Australian Open.
That success got here only a 12 months after he was deported from Australia for refusing to have the COVID-19 vaccine.
Djokovic not too long ago expressed his need to emulate NFL star Tom Brady by enjoying into his 40s.
It means his present journey to Australia is on no account a farewell.
“I hope it’s not (the) last (time), to be honest. I mean I always look forward coming back to Australia,” Djokovic stated.
“I always felt like I played my best tennis over the years (here) and had great support.”
Djokovic final visited Perth in 2013 when he performed on the Hopman Cup.
The veteran was an enormous fan of that occasion, and he is completely happy to be again in Perth.
“It feels great, it’s been a while since I was here last,” Djokovic stated.
“I remember every single time I played in Perth it was great attendance, people love tennis, people love sport in Australia in general.
“So I do not count on something much less this time, and I’m positive it is going to be a blast for all of us.
“Representing Serbia is the greatest honour and pride, so hopefully we can have a packed house and a lot of people coming to watch our matches.”
Djokovic will go to Rottnest Island on Friday for the compulsory quokka selfies.
But he will not be taking the United Cup flippantly, with Djokovic eager to adapt to the Australian warmth as shortly as potential earlier than the primary main of the 12 months.
“(It’s) a hot Australian summer always, but we’ve been trying to prepare in the Middle East for that,” Djokovic stated.
“I’m going to take a couple of days of training and hopefully get on my desired level very soon.”
Djokovic will staff up with world No.119 Olga Danilovic on the United Cup.
Given Danilovic’s lowly rating, Serbia’s hopes of constructing a deep run rests largely on Djokovic’s shoulders.
After going through China on Sunday night time, Serbia will tackle the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
