"I'm hoping I can get some positive news" - Djokovic on Australian Open participation
ATP
Novak Djokovic was able to play only in two out of four Grand Slam tournaments this season, and he's hoping that it will change in 2023.
The year started badly for the Serbian, who wasn't allowed to compete at the 2022 Australian Open. Although the season has yet to be finished, many are already thinking about the 2023 Australian Open.
That's also why Djokovic was asked about it ahead of the 2022 Laver Cup, where he will play alongside his rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion admitted that at the moment, he doesn't know whether he will be able to play in Melbourne. However, he's waiting for some good news.
"I'm waiting for the news. It's really not in my hands right now. I'm hoping I can get some positive news soon."
The Serbian also spoke about the 2022 US Open, where he also didn't play due to not being able to enter the country because of his vaccination status. Despite missing out on the chance to win his 22nd major, the 21-time Grand Slam champion shared that he doesn't have any regrets about not playing.
"No, I don't have any regrets. I mean, I do feel sad that I wasn't able to play, but, you know, that was a decision that I made. You know, I knew what the consequences would be, so I accepted them. That's it."
Djokovic also heaped praise on Carlos Alcaraz. The 19-year-old Spaniard won the US Open and became the youngest ATP World No. 1 player ever, thanks to his win.
"I mean, I congratulate Alcaraz for winning the US Open. He did it in an incredible fashion, you know, in three or four five-setter matches in the tournament. He's 19 years old and already No. 1 in the world."
"I mean, it's quite amazing what he has achieved so far. He's, I think, a great addition to our sport, a great star in the making. Well, he's already a Grand Slam champion, so we can't speak about him as a future because he's already a present."
"You know, I'm not used to making obviously the last 15, 20 years, longer breaks before the tournaments, but it is what it is. That's a kind of situation that I was in, and I'm just excited to be able to play here now and most of the other indoor season for the rest of this season."
