Djokovic’s quest to be the best

Few gamers know tips on how to flip adversity into power as Novak Djokovic does.

When the gang was cheering for Roger Federer on the 2019 Wimbledon, the Serbian satisfied himself that they have been egging him on. On the Australian Open 2021, Djokovic tore a muscle in his stomach throughout his third spherical match with Taylor Fritz, however nonetheless went on to win the title. When he was being booed for his anti-vaccine stance in 2022, he nonetheless managed to compile a 41-6 report and win a Grand Slam too.

Additionally Learn | Djokovic makes huge damage admission forward of 1st Australian Open 2023 match

A profession of enjoying second fiddle to fan-favourites Federer and Rafael Nadal has allowed the 35-year-old to develop a psychological perspective that merely doesn’t permit him to just accept defeat.

Not that defeat could be on his thoughts coming into the primary Grand Slam of the yr. The Australian Open may be very a lot his match – simply as Wimbledon was for Federer or the French Open is for Nadal. With 9 titles, this can be a match (and a rustic) that he has dominated.

“I at all times like my possibilities,” he stated when requested how he was feeling forward of the Australian Open in a second of not-so-typical modesty.

The Serbian is aiming to win a tenth Australian Open title in Melbourne and, the title, if gained, can even deliver him equal with Nadal’s tally of twenty-two Grand Slam titles. That is exactly the sort of problem that retains pushing him even now.

“That’s why I carry on enjoying skilled tennis, competitors tennis, as a result of I wish to be the most effective, I wish to win the most important tournaments on this planet,” he stated.

“You will have 4 Slams that traditionally have been the most important occasions in our sport. It’s additionally one of many largest the reason why I used to be actually wanting ahead to return again to Australia; due to my report right here. I actually love enjoying in Rod Laver Enviornment, notably night time periods. I’ve had loads of success that hopefully can proceed this yr.”

“This yr” as a result of final yr he was deported simply after getting into Australia as a result of he wasn’t vaccinated. The controversy and the fallout would have taken a heavy toll on most individuals however Djokovic used the enforced time without work to spend extra time coaching.

“As knowledgeable tennis participant on the best stage, don’t have a lot time to actually have an extended coaching block,” Djokovic informed reporters. “We have now a really lengthy season… you’ve got a number of weeks right here and there.

“The truth that I wasn’t enjoying for a number of months originally of final yr allowed me to actually get along with my workforce and work on my physique, on my strokes, which has later helped me to realize some nice outcomes.”

And that makes him a scary proposition. A well-rested and match Djokovic is notoriously arduous to beat in a five-setter. He picked up a hamstring niggle within the run-up the Australian Open however he’s been there earlier than and nonetheless discovered methods to win.

“I’ve been fighting {that a} bit, to be sincere, the final seven days,” he stated of the damage.

“But it surely’s hopefully not a significant concern. Up to now I’ve been capable of practice, compete and play factors, observe units. In order that’s a optimistic signal.

“Clearly I’m being a bit extra cautious. I’m not going full out on the coaching periods, conserving the power. Hopefully it will not trigger a difficulty for me then.”

The fourth seed faces Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena in spherical one and Nick Kyrgios is in the identical quarter as him. However the Australian might play ninth seed Holger Rune within the third spherical and fifth seed Andrey Rublev within the fourth spherical earlier than the quarter-final conflict.

“There’s a variety of children now which might be very hungry, that wish to win,” stated Djokovic. “They wish to take a scalp off you on the massive stadium. I do know that.

“However expertise of being in these sort of explicit circumstances helps I feel to have the correct method and do issues in a correct manner.

“As a result of I do know after I’m wholesome and enjoying my greatest, on this courtroom (Rod Laver Enviornment) I’ve possibilities actually towards anyone.”

The true query although is whether or not anybody actually has an opportunity towards him.