‘It’s very nice to have Novak Djokovic back here in Australia’, says ATP ace

“I always demand the best for myself, so we’ll see what happens in Australia. Over the years I’ve been lucky to always get off to a good start in Australia and I enjoy playing there, but obviously after what happened earlier this year I hope to have a decent reception this year and to be able to play tennis at a good level”. After the outbreak of the case last year, when his visa was withdrawn and he had to leave Melbourne without playing, Novak Djokovic expressed his desire to receive a light and non-hostile reception. The Serbian champion arrived in Adelaide a few days ago for the first match of the season and presented the team that will lead him in 2023. The physiotherapist Ulises Badio will no longer be part of his team. The Italian Claudio Zimaglia will take the place of the Argentine. Confirmed, of course, Goran Ivanisevic and Marco Panichi. The other two novelties refer to the presence of the experienced doubles player Carlos Gómez-Herrera and Mijlan Amanovic. The latter will travel again with the Belgrader for the Tour. In one of Djokovic’s last training sessions on the slopes of the Adelaide International 1, spectators were allowed into the stands of the facility. The first reception for him was anything but trivial. Numerous fans, including several Australians, cheered and supported Djokovic by displaying numerous Serbian flags and chanting “Nole, Nole.” Djokovic, at the Adelaide 1 ATP 250 tournament, will face Frenchman Constant Lestienne in the opening match. If he wins, one of Jordan Thompson or Quentin Halys will await him in the second round. The main candidates to challenge Djokovic in the quarterfinals and semifinals are Denis Shapovalov and Daniil Medvedev.

Jannik Sinner opens up on Djokovic

During an interview at the Adelelaide International, Sinner conveyed his feelings on Novak Djokovic’s return to Australia after a year’s break. “I practised with Novak [on Friday] and he’s in shape. You can see that he wants to win and is determined. It’s very nice to have him back here in Australia and having him also at the Australian Open because I think he is one of the best players in the world, if not the best,” the 21-year-old said according to The Age. “He will try to win every match he plays, every tournament he plays, but I think physically he is very, very good and moving very well. To win against him, you have to play your best tennis,” he added.