Mats Wilander has analyzed Novak Djokovic‘s chances of reaching double figures at the Australian Open 2023. Wilander told: “I think Novak Djokovic is the big favorite at the Australian Open for a number of reasons.
One of the reasons is that he has won this tournament on nine occasions and it’s the ideal surface for his type of game. Nole’s tennis is based on consistency, he doesn’t have ups and downs. Not everyone arrives in Melbourne in top form.
Some players are very ready, while others are not. Djokovic is always ready. Winning in Melbourne would be good revenge for Novak after last year’s events. Furthermore, he would hook Rafa Nadal at 22 Grand Slams. It would be crucial for Djokovic, given that Nadal will certainly try to shoot one last cartridge in Paris.
If Nole were to stay at 21 and Rafa reached 23, it would be difficult to close that gap.”
Djokovic has returned in Australia
Djokovic is preparing to return to Melbourne Park after missing the 2022 edition due to his vaccination status.
The Serbian phenomenon hopes to be able to win his tenth Australian Open, which would allow him to equal Rafael Nadal at 22 Grand Slams. The Spaniard won the Australian Open and the Roland Garros last year, while Nole had to settle for Wimbledon.
The 35-year-old from Belgrade equaled his idol Pete Sampras with seven wins at Church Road and was literally unstoppable in the second half of 2022. Djokovic also won the ATP Finals in Turin, the Masters 1000 in Rome, the ATP 500 in Astana and the ATP 250 in Tel Aviv.
Many are wondering how Djokovic will be received in Melbourne, after the bad soap opera that cost him his expulsion from the country and a three-year ban. The new government lifted that ban and the other players expressed their happiness to see Novak back in Australia.
