Novak Djokovic remains the clear favorite to win the 2023 Australian Open. The former world number 1 returned to Melbourne after last year’s ugly soap opera, which led to his expulsion from the country. The Serbian phenomenon made his debut on Tuesday at the Rod Laver Arena, easily defeating the Spanish Roberto Carballes Baena.
The latter was only able to stand up to Nole in the first two sets, while in the third he barely added four points. Let’s remember that the 35-year-old from Belgrade is on the hunt for his tenth title in the land of the kangaroos, which would allow him to equal Rafael Nadal in 22 Slams.
However, the Serb had missed out on two titles in 2022 due to his vaccination status, limiting the damage thanks to his seventh Wimbledon win. Novak’s draw does not present impossible obstacles, especially after the resounding defeat of host Nick Kyrgios.
The Australian has not resolved his knee injury and will have to undergo surgery in the coming days. In an interview with “Stadium Astro”, Vasek Pospisil admitted to having encouraged Djokovic in the AO. “I hope Novak Djokovic wins the Australian Open,” Pospisil began without mincing words.
“I consider him the favorite by far. If you have to pick a favourite, it’s hard not to mention his name. That being said, there are many great players who can go all the way in Melbourne. I would also include Rafael Nadal, who won the title last year.
Although he hasn’t played much in recent months, he is a legend in the game. I put him right behind Novak”, added Vasek. On the Tennis Channel microphones, Martina Navratilova analyzed in detail the prospects of Nadal and Djokovic: “Novak Djokovic is the one with the best chance of winning more Slams in 2023.”
Djokovic is happy to have his parents cheer for him
Novak Djokovic is optimistic about having a successful run at the 2023 Australian Open.
“They’re just numbers in the end of the day,” Novak Djokovic said, “I mean, I’ve been in the situations before where I’ve played for some really big historic things, and I’ve been blessed to have more success than failures in those particular situations.
I know how to behave; I know how to handle it. Let’s see how far I can go”. Novak Djokovic is happy to have his parents cheer for him: “I’m really glad to have them here. As I said on the court, the last time they were here, actually the only time they were here, was back in 2008″, the Serb said.
“We have some great memories and considerations about the time that they spent here together now 15 years ago,” he said, “Yeah, hopefully they can stay all the way, I can stay all the way and we can have another great celebration”.
