Novak Djokovic started the season in the best possible way, winning his tenth Australian Open of his career and returning to the top of the ATP rankings. The Serbian phenomenon lost only one set on the street at Melbourne Park, confirming that he has a very special feeling with this tournament.
In addition to having ousted Carlos Alcaraz from the throne, the 35-year-old from Belgrade has hooked his eternal rival Rafael Nadal at the top of the all-time Grand Slam rankings. Nole will go hunting for overtaking already at Roland Garros, scheduled for the end of May on the red clay in Paris.
Given Rafa’s precarious conditions, many believe that the ‘Djoker’ can once again aspire to the ‘Calendar Grand Slam’ Goran Ivanisevic’s pupil had already touched this titanic feat in 2021, when he stopped just one victory from the finish line.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion will return to action in Dubai at the end of February, while his presence in Indian Wells and Miami remains uncertain. Novak has in fact requested a special permit to enter the United States.
New details on Djokovic
“You will know everything in a few days”, promised Novak Djokovic after winning a 10th Australian Open synonymous with 22nd Grand Slam title, on January 29, despite a left hamstring injury.
Remained silent since, the Serb has not given any news. On the other hand, his physical trainer, Marco Panichi, said during a live Instagram that he was going to Belgrade on Monday to prepare with Nole for the next tournament.
As Serbian journalist Sasa Ozmo says, this information probably means that Djokovic is recovering from his injury and that he should a priori play the Dubai tournament, in which he is registered, from February 27 to March 4.
The logic would then be that he would only return to clay even if he filed an appeal to be able to enter the United States and therefore play the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami in March. Former World No. 4 Brad Gilbert believes Novak Djokovic’s game is a mixture of tennis legends Andre Agassi and Ivan Lendl’s caliber.
“I really believe that if you put Andre Agassi and Ivan Lendl in the blender, you get Novak Djokovic,” Gilbert said. “The only difference is that Djokovic is lighting fast. Both those guys Agassi and Lendl were quick and could cover the court, but they weren’t lighnting fast and as quick as Novak,” he said.
