Novak Djokovic entered the Adelaide ATP tournament as the heavy favorite to win the tournament. While some players are busy at the United Tennis Cup, the ATP 250 Adelaide 1 boasts a world-class lineup of some of the most exciting players on the international scene.
This first round immediately brought some surprises, such as the losses in the lower part of the draw to the Danish Holger Rune and the Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime, and now Nole finds himself as the great favorite of the tournament.
Many are now expecting a possible semifinal between Nole and the Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev, also among the great favorites of these tournaments here in Australia. The Balkan tennis player spoke at a press conference and made the following statements: “Many people wait for the semifinal between Daniil and me, but obviously we both have to do well first, during the tournament.
Starting well is important and then a challenge with Daniil would be a very good test before the Australian Open. There is still a long way to go, but I am sure that all tennis and sports fans would like to see this match.”
The Australian Open champion of two years (and more) ago went on to explain: “In the end I have to be ready whoever my opponent is, so it would be great if I meet Daniil in the semi-finals. However, the road is still long, in these first games we are all working to find the best possible form, so it is not easy.
In any case, I feel good and quite comfortable when I hit the ball. We’re going up against one of the best 250 ever, this is unbelievable. There’s Daniil, Rublev and there was Auger and Rune until yesterday, I think it’s a great tournament and that can only be an advantage for Melbourne.”
Wilander praises Djokovic
Novak Djokovic has an enviable record at the Australian Open. “I think Novak Djokovic is the number one favourite for many, many reasons. I mean, obviously, one reason is that he’s won the Australian Open nine times.
The surface is perfect for him,” Mats Wilander said. “When you play the way Novak Djokovic plays, he doesn’t have ups and downs. Everybody is not 100% ready in Australia. Some are very ready, some are not ready, and he is always somewhat ready. Somewhat ready for him means he’s the favourite,” he added.
