Novak Djokovic closed his 2022 with a flourish, triumphing for the sixth time at the ATP Finals and equaling Roger Federer’s record. The former world number 1 kept out Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud, proving that he is still the man to beat.
Despite a season heavily conditioned by his choice not to get vaccinated against the Coronavirus, the Serbian phenomenon managed to win Wimbledon, the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, the ATP Finals in Turin, the ATP 500 in Astana and the ATP 250 in Tel Aviv.
In addition to equaling his idol Pete Sampras with seven wins at Church Road, the 35-year-old from Belgrade has moved just one distance from Rafael Nadal in the ranking of all Grand Slams. The Serbian will try to join the Australian Open 2023, after being authorized by the local government to travel to Australia next January.
After a few weeks of negotiations, the three-year ban on the Serb was lifted. Although Novak Djokovic was recently authorized by the government to travel to Australian territory in order to participate in the Australian Open (January 16-29, 2023), the Serbian should, according to various Serbian media, start his year with the ATP 250 in Adelaide, scheduled for January 2-8.
Nole will not be the only one to start his season in Adelaide as Andy Murray has confirmed his participation in a statement. “Playing at the Adelaide International for the first time is something that makes me very excited.
The Australian public loves tennis and has always been very supportive of me. I have worked a lot in the pre-season and the Adelaide International will be a great preparation for the Australian Open. I am looking forward to seeing what Adelaide and 2023 have in store for me,” said the Briton.
Oddo reflects on Djokovic
Despite having a limited 2022 season, Novak Djokovic proved that his overall game has no limits, at least, that’s what journalist Chris Oddo believes. “Isn’t it funny how people panic and tend to think like, ‘Novak Djokovic is not right, he’s shivering at a changeover, this is it, he’s going to fall down and lose this match,’ It’s kind of like, haven’t we done this before, doubted him physically or his limitations or whatever?” Chris Oddo said.
“He made it clear in that match and throughout the tournament, and through the season really, that he has no limits. He’s still there physically and mentally. Eventually, he’ll hit the wall at some age, maybe 36, 37, or 38. But he’s the no. 1 player in everybody’s mind right now,” he added.
