Djokovic: ‘I have a chance to make more history and that motivates me’

Novak Djokovic will return to official performances in Australia after an ordeal early in 2022 that saw him barred from playing tournaments on Australian soil due to unvaccinated people.

Pandemic restrictions have been eased while the three-year travel ban on the Serb, who is already in Adelaide preparing for the first tournament of the year (1-8 January), has not been applied.

The world No. 5 ranks No. 1 on the board at the Adelaide International, with Medvedev, Aliasim, Rune, Rublev, Murray and Khachanov in a very strong field.

“The board is very strong. You have Medvedev, Felix, Rublev. There really are top athletes. Also, in the first round you can play with Thanasis Kokkinakis, the defending champion. It would be fun to play with Thanasis in front of his audience,” said the Serb ahead of the draw of the draw that paired him with Medvedev and Shapovalov.

The 35-year-old from Belgrade had won the third title of his career in Adelaide 16 years ago at the age of 19 and declared himself ready for any challenge in his statements before taking office in 2023.

“I’ve always believed in myself and I believe that I can win every tournament I play in. I think with my career I deserve to feel this way. Obviously things are different too. There are a lot of new tennis players on the tour and now there is a changing of the guard but me and Nadal we are still stronger than the old ones.

I know what I have to do to face them and be one of the contenders for the Melbourne title. I have good memories and history in Australia and a lot of positive feelings. I can do it again, I can go far” said Nole, who will be trying to win his 10th title at the Australian Open, which starts in Melbourne on January 16.

“The goal is to be at my peak in Melbourne. That’s where I want to do my best. At this stage in my career, I have the chance to make a bigger story. That motivates me. It’s a challenge, but it’s also a motivator “ he added.

SOURCE: Tennis24