Novak Djokovic has confidently instructed his greatest Australian Open risk is himself as he appears to reprise the 2023 Melbourne kind he charges nearly as good as any.
The 24-time main champion has received the final 4 occasions he is visited Melbourne Park, blitzing Stefanos Tsitsipas in final yr’s last regardless of being hampered all match by a hamstring damage.
The world No.1 was solely denied a 2023 grand slam by good younger Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who beat the Serb in a five-set Wimbledon last.
“I’m just hoping I can start the season in a way that I have been starting my seasons, most of my seasons … with a win here in Australia, in Melbourne,” Djokovic stated.
“My favourite place, no doubt; the court where I’ve done great things and achieved my greatest grand slam results.
“That was the most effective tennis ranges that I’ve performed, right here in Australia final yr.”
Djokovic was troubled by a wrist injury when he lost to Australian Alex de Minaur at the United Cup, ending a staggering 43-match winning streak dating back to 2018 in the country.
The 36-year-old rates this complaint of less consequence than last year’s dodgy hamstring and knows, despite the presence of No.2 Alcaraz, who calls the shots on Rod Laver Arena.
“Myself all the time first, after which in fact all the opposite greatest gamers on the planet,” he said when asked who his biggest threat was.
“Any participant is right here with, I’m positive, intention to realize the dream of successful a grand slam.
“Some players are obviously more expected to go further than some others.”
Djokovic will start his marketing campaign on Sunday evening in opposition to Croatia’s Dino Prizmic, doubtlessly after a go to to the close by Royal Botanic Gardens.
“It’s a wonderful park where I like to spend time and just be by myself in nature, just grounding, hugging trees, climbing trees and stuff,” he stated when requested if he’d developed any superstitious Melbourne habits.
“I love to do that. So I’ve done that for, yeah, last 15 years.
“Whether that is a secret of success right here in Australia or not, I do not know, nevertheless it has undoubtedly made me really feel good.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
