Novak Djokovic was crowned Australian Open champion for the third time in his sensational career. The Serbian phenomenon dropped only one set during the tournament and crashed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last act. In addition to having reiterated that he is the best around, Nole took back the top of the ATP ranking by ousting Carlos Alcaraz from the throne after 20 weeks of reign.
The 35-year-old from Belgrade has also hooked his eternal rival Rafael Nadal at 22 Grand Slams and will try to overtake already at Roland Garros, scheduled for the end of May on the red clay in Paris. Given the precarious physical conditions of the Spaniard, many believe that Novak can aim for the ‘Calendar Grand Slam’ this year.
We recall that the ‘Djoker’ had already touched the feat in 2021, stopping just one game from a legendary goal. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will play the ATP 500 in Dubai at the end of February, while his presence in Indian Wells and Miami is very unlikely (due to his vaccination status).
Annacone praises Nole Djokovic
Impressed like many by Novak Djokovic’s 10th coronation this Sunday at the Australian Open, Paul Annacone, former coach of Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, decided to speak publicly via his Twitter account to congratulate the Serb and to pay him a very nice tribute.
“I have never seen a player more difficult to make uncomfortable on a court. Novak Djokovic is just different #22 amazing congratulations and thank you so much for enjoying watching you.” Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has showered praise on Novak Djokovic after his triumph at the recently-concluded 2023 Australian Open.
“He’s so focused on everything he does, with every single minute of the day. That’s what he eats, what he drinks, when he does it, how he does it. There’s no breakdown or mental breakdown in anything that he does,” Tiley said.
“He’s been through a lot and to win 10 Australian Opens, I don’t think that’s ever going to be repeated. Over the last 15 years, he tells me it’s 14 years because he missed last year, it’s such a remarkable achievement.
He’ll hold a significant place in the history of the Australian Open,” Tiley opined. “A lot of the challenges around Novak is that he gets a bad rap. But at the end of the day, I don’t think anyone can question his athleticism.
This guy had a three-centimetre tear in his hammy. I saw the scans. The doctors are going to tell you the truth,” Tiley said.
