‘It’s good that Novak Djokovic’s back’, says ATP ace

Just under a year after the infamous telenovela that led to his expulsion, Novak Djokovic has set foot back in Australia. The former world number 1 will begin his 2023 by playing the ATP 250 in Adelaide, in which he is registered in both singles and doubles. The Serbian phenomenon will use this tournament as a testing ground in view of the 2023 Australian Open, where he will hunt for his tenth seal. In the event of a triumph at Melbourne Park, the 35-year-old from Belgrade would hook his eternal rival Rafael Nadal at 22 Grand Slams. 2022 was a year full of difficulties for Nole, who paid dearly for his choice not to get vaccinated against the Coronavirus. The ‘Djoker’ was unable to participate in either the Australian Open or the US Open, as well as having suffered tremendous image damage. Also due to his vaccination status, Goran Ivanisevic’s pupil also had to miss all the American Masters 1000. However, Novak redeemed himself by winning Wimbledon, the ATP Finals in Turin, the Masters 1000 in Rome, the ATP 500 in Astana and the ATP 250 in Tel Aviv.

Nole Djokovic is in great shape

Like Rafael Nadal, Alex de Minaur spoke about the presence of Novak Djokovic in Australia, a little less than a year after his expulsion from the territory at the end of an incredible soap opera. “It’s great that he’s back. Of course, like any athlete, you want to compete against the best in the world. It’s good that he’s back. Ultimately, as an athlete, you don’t want to win games when the best in the world aren’t playing. So it’s great to be back in competition and to see him come back. I think Australia will be happy to see him back.” Novak Djokovic is looking forward to his return to the Australian Open just as much as his fans. “I always ask the best from myself so let’s see. Over the years I’ve been really fortunate to start very strong in Australia and I love playing there,” Djokovic said. “After obviously what happened earlier this year, hopefully I can have a decent reception there and hopefully that can help me play some good tennis. I would like to play as long as I possibly can. I don’t have really any number in my head. Things are progressing so far pretty well for me. I can’t complain,” he said. “So as long as I play at this level, as long as I have the fire, I’ll keep going.”