Former seven-time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin believes Novak Djokovic is “the immense favorite” for the Australian Open title. Djokovic, a record nine-time Australian Open champion, was denied participation at the 2022 Australian Open.
Now, he is back in Melbourne and set to play at the Australian Open again. Following everything that happened to Djokovic in Melbourne 12 months ago, Henin expects the Serb to be extremely determined to make a statement at Melbourne Park this January.
Henin: Djokovic will be the immense favorite
“Novak Djokovic is hungry! He is, in my opinion, just as in many other Grand Slams, the overwhelming favourite. In recent years, we have seen that the hunger he has rarely any players have ever had.
But this time there is a desire to take revenge because I think that the last 18 months have been very rough on him for different reasons. There was the quest for the Calendar Slam, in which he fell at the last step in 2021.
Then there was the Australian Open mess and the decision not to get vaccinated, which meant he had to isolate himself from the tour. That was a personal choice, obviously, that we can only respect. He made strong choices and he accepted the consequences they had on him.
When he could be present, he was very, very good and very strong. In 2023, he is in perfect physical shape, and he arrives with the desire to prove things. So yes, he is the big favourite. A lot of things can happen, but clearly, in my opinion, it will be Djokovic versus the others.
Djokovic will be the immense favourite,” Henin told Eurosport’s Arnold Montgault. Meanwhile, Djokovic has learned his Australian Open first-round opponent. In his Australian Open opener, fourth-seeded Djokovic will be taking on Roberto Carballes Baena.
Djokovic has received a pretty favorable Australian Open draw and many expect him to win his 22nd Grand Slam title this January.
