Novak Djokovic has experienced a particularly complicated season due to his choice not to get vaccinated against the Coronavirus. The former world number 1 had to miss the Australian Open and the US Open, two tournaments in which he would have been the big favorite to win.
For the same reason, the Serbian phenomenon was forced to give up all the American Masters 1000 (Indian Wells, Miami, Montreal and Cincinnati). The 35-year-old from Belgrade was back to 100% fitness just in time for Wimbledon, where he won his 21st Major.
In addition to equaling his idol Pete Sampras in seven hits at Church Road, Nole moved within one length of Rafael Nadal in the all-time Grand Slam rankings. As if that weren’t enough, the ‘Djoker’ also won the ATP Finals in Turin, the Masters 1000 in Rome, the ATP 500 in Astana and the ATP 250 in Tel Aviv.
A few weeks ago, Djokovic received news that he will be able to travel to Australia next month. The 21-time Grand Slam champion will start his 2023 by playing the ATP in Adelaide, a good test in view of the Australian Open.
McNamee on Nole Djokovic
“Novak Djokovic was the best player going in [last summer] and, on form, he is still the best player, especially on hard court, so he deserves to be favourite,” he told The Age. “I think winning 10 has a special ring to it.
The only other man who’s won 10 [at a Grand Slam event] is Rafa [Nadal] at the French, so I think he’ll be going hard to get a 10th Australian Open, especially after last year. I’m hoping he can get it. For me, he’s a person of principle.
Not everyone agrees with what his position is, but he stands by his word and missed two Grand Slams this year. That’s a lot to miss when you’re one off winning the most Grand Slams, so I respect it and I hope he is well received”.
Novak Djokovic ended his 2022 season on a high, recapturing the ATP Finals crown after a long gap of seven years. “He’s practicing even harder than he was at 22,” Ivanisevic said. “That’s why he’s still so good.
You know, the will to practice to improve, the will to be better is amazing. He’s taking care of his body. In my time, we stop tennis at 31, you’re ready to leave… Look at Roger [Federer], couple years back. Look at Rafa [Nadal].
They’ll talk about young players, and it’s great for tennis. You have the youngest number one in the world, Carlos. But you know, look at Novak, he’s still hungry, still winning, he’s still playing unbelievable tennis.”
