Novak Djokovic opens his problem for an eleventh Australian Open title on Monday when he takes on Spain’s Pedro Martinez.
Djokovic’s love affair with Melbourne – apart from his undignified deportation in 2022 on account of Covid guidelines – exhibits no signal of easing and the Serb reached the semi-finals 12 months in the past earlier than having to retire after dropping the primary set to Alexander Zverev.
Aged 38, Djokovic is aware of his greatest years are behind him however remains to be clinging on to the hope he can file a file twenty fifth grand slam triumph.
“I attempt to focus myself on what I’ve achieved, not what I’m probably attaining,” Djokovic mentioned. “I imply, I hope it involves that, however 24 can be not a nasty quantity. I’ve to understand that and remind myself of the wonderful profession I had and likewise, you already know, launch a few of that pointless strain.
“I imply, clearly there’s at all times strain and expectations, however, you already know, I don’t suppose it’s wanted for me to actually go far when it comes to make-it-or-break-it kind of factor, [a] now-or-never kind of mentality. I don’t really feel it’s needed. Neither does that permit me to excel and carry out my greatest.”
Djokovic assured he can nonetheless beat Alcaraz and Sinner
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the 2 dominant male gamers within the sport however Djokovic remains to be assured he can see off the Spaniard and the Italian when at his greatest.
He added: “I’m simply grateful to have one other shot, notably right here, a spot the place I gained 10 Grand Slam titles and been constantly enjoying properly and reaching the ultimate levels.
“Final couple of years additionally semifinals, ’24 semifinals, ’25. Had an ideal win in opposition to Carlos in quarters final yr.
“Look, I do know that after I’m wholesome, after I’m in a position to put all of the items of the puzzle collectively on a given day, I really feel like I can beat anyone. If I don’t have that self-belief and confidence in myself, I wouldn’t be right here.”
Martinez is ranked 71st on the planet and has not gone past the second spherical at Melbourne Park.
