Novak Djokovic brushes off injury concerns before Australian Open
ATP
If healthy, Novak Djokovic is the biggest favorite to win the 2023 Australian Open, and he's ready to confirm his position as a top favorite.
The 35-year-old Serbian has already won nine times in Melbourne, and after being denied a chance to add his tenth last year, he will try to do that in 2023.
However, he won't face just the other 127 players in the field but also injury concerns. Before the event, the Serbian was asked about his motivation to compete and to come to Australia despite being deported last year.
He revealed that it's his so-called 'GOAT Race' with Rafael Nadal that motivates him to equal the Spaniard at 22 Grand Slam titles.
"Of course, it is. I mean, that's why I keep on playing professional tennis, competition tennis, because I want to be the best, I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world. There is no secret about it. It doesn't get bigger than this."
"You have four Slams that historically have been the biggest events in our sport. It's also one of the biggest reasons why I was really looking forward to come back to Australia: because of my record here. I really love playing in Rod Laver Arena, particularly night sessions. I've had plenty of success that hopefully can continue this year."
The 21-time Grand Slam champion struggled with an injury that bothered him during a semi-final match in Adelaide and also during one of his practices in Melbourne. However, it seems that now, there is no injury that would bother the Serbian.
"I’m in a very good shape. I ended the year in the best possible way, and continued that form in Adelaide. I like the way I played there. I beat some really good players, especially in the last few matches of the tournament. I like my chances. I always like my chances."
"I train as hard as really anybody out there. There's a lot of youngsters now that are very hungry, that want to win. They want to take a scalp off you on the big stadium. I know that."
