As everyone knows by now, Novak Djokovic has received permission to travel to Australia. The former world number 1 flew ‘Down Under’ earlier than usual, wanting to take all the time necessary to find the right sensations.
The Serbian phenomenon had not been able to participate in the 2022 edition of the Australian Open due to his vaccination status, which resulted in a bad soap opera that led to his expulsion from the country. Although he had to miss two Grand Slams (AO and US Open) and all the American Masters 1000, the 35-year-old from Belgrade managed to revive his season by winning Wimbledon and four other titles (the ATP Finals, the Masters 1000 in Rome, the ATP 500 in Astana and the ATP 250 in Tel Aviv).
The ‘Djoker’ finished the year in the Top 5 and will be chasing his 10th seal at Melbourne Park. In the event of a triumph at the AOs, Goran Ivanisevic’s protégé would hook his eternal rival Rafael Nadal at 22 Grand Slams.
Well-known Australian coach Roger Rasheed has his opinion on Djokovic’s return to Australia.
Rasheed opens up on Djokovic
The Australian coach is very happy that Novak Djokovic can play again in Australia. According to him, this is good news for the level of tennis that the champions will offer during this month of January.
“There is no doubt that Novak’s return improves the performance of other players. When you have the greatest in the game and they are playing live in front of you, you always want to excel and perform. They take you to another level.
Everyone wants to have the best players in the world on the pitch and that is what we will have.” Novak Djokovic will be the biggest talking point at the 2023 Australian Open, according to former tennis player Prakash Amritraj.
“Look, there’s going to be some serious contenders there,” Amritraj stated. “We’re gonna see Carlos Alcaraz coming back healthy, youngest No. 1 ever we had on the tour and I know we will get to this, but I think our guy Nick Kyrgios has got a good shot to make something special happen Down Under.
But look, the biggest story line has to be Novak, especially after the way he had to leave last year. Those feelings are still inside him as he sort of came back. Novak loves a little chip on his shoulder and that will help bolster him. A lot of great athletes work this way. I cannot wait to see how hungry he comes out this year,” he asserted.
