"He is still the No. 1 player in the world" - Woodbridge on Djokovic

"He is still the No. 1 player in the world" - Woodbridge on Djokovic

by Jamie Malachy

Last updated

Former Australian tennis player Todd Woodbridge believes that Novak Djokovic is still the best player in the world, despite his ranking, and that having him back at the Australian Open is hugely important for the tournament.

The 21-time Grand Slam champion has recently been cleared to compete in the Australian Open 2023, after his visa ban was lifted by the government. He'd been banned on entering the country for three years following the revoking of his visa in January - a saga that erupted due to the Serb's refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Speaking to Wide World of Sports Radio recently, Woodbridge said that the nine-time champion would once again be favourite at Melbourne Park and that is was hugely positive for the tournament to have Djokovic back competing.

"I think that's the best scenario for the tournament because we want the best players playing at the Australian Open," Woodbridge said.

"What goes into the Open in terms of the build-up, prize money, what it does to our reputation around the world — we want the very best to be allowed to come here and allowed to play. And given the fact that Novak has won it nine times, he goes into it now as a heavy favorite after not being allowed to play this year," he added.

Woodbridge also believes that, because the rankings are skewed this year due to rankings point not being awarded at Wimbledon, Djokovic is still the true World No. 1. He is officially currently ranked at No. 5, with Spanish teenager Alcaraz sitting at the top.

"In my mind, the rankings this year are so skewed. He is still the No. 1 player in the world and to have him back is really important," Woodbridge said.

While Novak may not be the World No. 1 officially, most still put him as favourite to win the Australian Open title for a tenth time.

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