Novak Djokovic says he will keep returning to the Australian Open as long as he “performs at the highest level and becomes one of the favorites to win a Grand Slam tournament”.
Djokovic’s victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday secured his 10th Australian Open title, tying him with Rafael Nadal for the all-time men’s all-time list of 22 Grand Slam titles.
A victorious Djokovic paraded the Norman Brooks Challenge Cup through the gardens of Melbourne’s Government House, adding another point on the plus column for those claiming he was the greatest ever in the GOAT debate.
“I think the result alone says a lot about how I feel in Australia and how well I’ve played here over the last 15 years,” Djokovic said.
“In fact, it was exactly 15 years ago that I won my first Grand Slam here in Melbourne.
As long as I can perform at the highest level and feel like I can be one of the favorites to win a Grand Slam, I will keep coming back. “
Despite missing an opportunity with a hamstring injury, Djokovic felt he played his best tennis by dropping just one set at Melbourne Park.
At 35, he shows no signs of slowing down, overtaking Carlos Alcaraz to reclaim the number one spot in the world rankings.
“I’m the fiercest competitor,” Djokovic said. “Whether it’s a Grand Slam or in any event category in the world. I do everything I can to win every match and there’s still a lot of that fire, me burning for the sport and for the competition.
“It still allows me to push myself to the limit every day in practice sessions, all these years later.
“Sometimes doing the same routine over and over again isn’t very fun, but I know there’s always a bigger goal. A guiding star, so to speak, and this trophy is one of those guiding stars. It’s That’s what I always strive to achieve.”
I had to stay strong and not let the external factors and disruptions distract me on my way to the title. Of course, being back in Australia after last year’s event, I was more curious and nervous than usual. How people accept me, how I am received on and off the court. Overall, it was a very positive experience and I am very grateful for that.
How many Grand Slams can Djokovic complete?
Serb returns to world number one with victory in Melbourne
When asked how long he thought Djokovic could fight for a major title, coach Goran Ivanisevic said: “It’s definitely a couple of years away. The way he takes care of his body, the way he approaches everything, the way he eats, it’s amazing. I believe. level.”
Former Wimbledon champion Ivanisevic described the 22-22 draw as “like a handball match” and hopes Djokovic and Nadal will once again fend off Tsitsipas, Alcaraz and other young impersonators in Paris. There is
“As for the young players, they’re here. It’s great for tennis, great for the future of tennis,” he said. “But these two are still fighting. This was Novak’s home court, now we’re going to Rafa’s home court.”
“Yeah, they’re coming – Alcaraz, incredible. Still, if Rafa steps onto the court at the French Open, he’s always the frontrunner to win the tournament for me.
“I said eight or nine years ago that Novak and Rafa would pass Roger[Federer]. There are two incredible competitors, two incredible tennis players and what they did for tennis.
“Honestly, I’m looking forward to having both of them super healthy. Then there’s the fight. And the young guys trying to find a back door to sneak out and do something. They’ll have the last words to say there.”
what happens next?
Djokovic (left) and Rafael Nadal could face a battle for supremacy at the French Open
In the best-case scenario, Nadal could return for the next big tournament in Indian Wells and Miami in March, but he may choose to stay off the match court until his favorite clay. The pair are locked in with 22 Grand Slams each, setting up delicious prospects for a straight-up battle for complete supremacy at the French Open starting May 28.