Novak Djokovic has started the season in the best possible way, winning the tenth Australian Open of his career and returning to the top of the ATP rankings. The Serbian phenomenon only dropped one set at Melbourne Park, confirming that he has a very special feeling about this tournament.
As well as unseating Carlos Alcaraz from his throne, the 35-year-old Belgrade native has also tied his archrival Rafael Nadal for the top of the all-time Grand Slam rankings. The overtaking will not go well at Roland Garros, scheduled for the end of May on the clay of Paris.
Given Rafa’s difficult state, many believe that the Serbian can once again aspire to the ‘Grand Slam of the calendar’ Goran Ivanisevic’s protégé had already come close to this titanic feat in 2021, when he came one victory from the finish line.
The 22-time Slam champion will return to action in Dubai at the end of February, while his presence in Indian Wells and Miami remains uncertain. In fact, Novak has applied for special permission to enter the United States. Djokovic won the Australian Open despite a left hamstring injury, which he suffered during the Adelaide ATP semi-final against Daniil Medvedev.
On the sidelines of the AO, tournament director Craig Tiley revealed that Nole played with a 3cm tear in his thigh. After winning the “Happy Slam”, the Serb did not give any more news about his state of form. During a live broadcast on Instagram, his sports coach, Marco Panichi, revealed that he would fly to Belgrade soon to prepare with Novak for the next tournament.
As reported by the Serbian journalist Sasa Ozmo, this could mean that Djokovic has overcome his injury and will play the ATP 500 in Dubai (scheduled from February 27 to March 4). The prestigious tournament in the United Arab Emirates was also due to host Rafael Nadal, but the Spaniard suffered a second degree iliopsoas injury during the Australian Open.
Djokovic will return to the court at the ATP 500 Dubai Open
Novak Djokovic and his former coach Marian Vajda won 20 Grand Slam championships together during their 15-year long association. “The relationship continues well, but it was cut off due to a professional issue.
We spent 15 years together. He decided to play fewer tournaments and be with a smaller team, and Goran is number one on the team,” Vajda told Olé. “It was a very difficult separation on an emotional level for both, but life goes on and Novak continues to be Novak,” Vajda continued.
“He’s stabilizing, he knows how to train, how to get along with Goran. I’m fine, he’s fine. And that’s how it has to be,” the Slovak said.
