Novak Djokovic does not intend to laugh. If he is in Australia, it is to earn his 22^e major title. Unlike last year, it is on the ground that he will have to express himself and not in front of a court of law.

In his first tournament of the season, in Adelaide, Djokovic reached the final without too many obstacles. He faced the promising Sebastian Korda. 31^e world player snatched the first set in the tiebreaker. At the end of this round, going to his chair, Djoko glared at the people of his team comfortably installed in the stands. Like J.K. Simmons in whiplash. The Serb then shouted at a member of his clan, at the other end of the field, to leave the stands, because he was disturbing him. The man in question was his brother Marko.

Even blood ties are not proof against Djoker’s sometimes fiery and unpredictable character when victory is at stake. Djokovic managed to win the next two sets 7-6 and 6-4 to ensure a first title this season.

Despite this episode, the arrival of Djokovic in Melbourne to play the Australian Open has nothing to do with that of last year.

On this date, the nine-time champion of the tournament had to return home, empty-handed, because the Australian Court had revoked his right to play.

Little reminder

A reminder of the facts is in order.

In January 2022, it was necessary to have proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to enter Australian soil. However, as Djokovic has always refused the injection of the various vaccines, the laws in force have caught up with him, despite his status.

Nevertheless, Djokovic received a medical waiver from the tournament to be able to participate without being vaccinated. However, upon arrival at Melbourne Airport, customs refused to let him through. She even canceled her visa.

After a short isolation, Judge Anthony Kelly ruled in favor of the Serb. He was going to be able to play the tournament, but respecting certain conditions. A few days later, despite being part of the main draw, the Australian Immigration Minister revoked Djokovic’s visitation rights and canceled his visa.

Of course, this story cast a shadow over the tournament even before it began. This soap novel has also greatly marked the main interested party. “You can’t forget these events,” he told European media last week. It’s a label that will stay. She will remain for the rest of my life. »

He said arriving in Australia “with positive emotions”, although “what happened 12 months ago was not easy to digest, but at the same time, it was necessary to move forward”.

The best player in the world

The remainder of his 2022 season has been outstanding, although he had to sit out the U.S. Open due to his vaccination status. He won the tournaments in Rome, Wimbledon, Tel-Aviv, Astana and the ATP Finals. He lost only 7 of his 49 games. His win ratio of 85.7% was the best on the circuit.

Officially, the 35-year-old is ranked fifth in the world.

However, had it not been for the ATP’s decision to suspend the allocation of ranking points at Wimbledon in response to the tournament’s choice to deny access to Russian players, Djokovic would be No. 1 in the world.

He would have a 70 point lead over Carlos Alcaraz.

No offense to some, Djokovic is still the best tennis player in the world. He is even more precise, more agile, more tenacious and mentally stronger than ever. His performance in the ATP Finals against the elite of his sport proved it. His perfect record sent a clear message to his rivals. Just like his performance of 11 wins in 14 games against players from the top 10 in 2022. Young wolves still have scabs to eat.

The Serb will be even hungrier, as he is on the hunt for men’s records. He is only one Grand Slam title away from joining Rafael Nadal with 22. He will also try to become the first player since Rod Laver in 1969 to achieve the Grand Slam, that is to say win all four major tournaments during the same season. If any player can do it, it’s him. He almost succeeded in 2021, but Daniil Medvedev slowed him down, en route to history, in the final of the United States Open.

This season, Djokovic will have the opportunity to redeem himself. Make up for it on a public relations level because his image has been tarnished. Then redeem himself also on the tennis level, because despite his brilliance in recent months, his triumphs have been overshadowed by controversy.