Alex Molcan believes Novak Djokovic plays tennis with his mind like a chess player
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Novak Djokovic and Alex Molcan (Image Credit: The New York Times)
Tennis great Novak Djokovic started his professional career way back in 2003. This was the time when both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal began to dominate male tennis. With small steps, the Serb improved himself and won his first Grand Slam title, i.e., the Australian Open in 2008. However, soon after, he began to defeat the best players in the world on other surfaces and is now renowned as a great champion.
For the 21-time Grand Slam champion’s many fans, he is the greatest player in the world. However, many regard him highly if do not consider him ‘greatest’. He is respected by many of his contemporaries as well, who have time and again commented on his playing style, his demeanor, and also on his behavior.
Alex Molcan is the highest-ranked Slovak tennis player. He has played against the Serbian twice and lost on both occasions. He believes that Novak Djokovic plays tennis like a ‘chess player’.
“Coming up against Djokovic showed me that it’s not about playing very fast or trying to be extremely aggressive. It plays out in the head. Looks like Novak is playing chess. It was a really amazing experience, I learned a lot, I saw how I could maybe play certain moves, how he thinks. The experience was incredible, it was a good school for me”, he said about the 2022 Wimbledon champion in an ATP podcast.
Novak Djokovic will be heading to Australia to participate in the Adelaide International 1 tournament in a quest to prepare himself well for the 2023 Australian Open.
2023 Australian Open is all set to welcome Novak Djokovic
The first Grand Slam of the year is ready to welcome its greatest champion, Novak Djokovic. The Serb has won the Australian Open singles title 9 times. This is a record. Only Margaret Court has won more titles than him, i.e., 11. However, she won 7 titles in the Amateur Era and only 4 in the Open Era.
After last year’s disgraceful exit, just a day before the start of the tournament, The Serbinator is ready to play and win at Melbourne Park. He expects a warm reception when he lands Down Under.
“I always ask for the best from myself so let’s see. Over the years I’ve been really fortunate to start very strong in Australia and I love playing there. After obviously what happened earlier this year, hopefully, I can have a decent reception there. Hopefully, that can help me play some good tennis,” he said in an interview. Meanwhile, Craig Tiley, Director of the Australian Open tournament too is excited to have the 21-time Grand Slam champion back on Australian soil.
“We are focused on Djokovic’s return and reception, as he arrives next week. He will play an event in Adelaide, then he will play the Australian Open. He plays the best tennis and he will be the favorite in the run. He is popular in Australia, and he has a large fan base,” he told in an interview with the Indian newspaper The Times Of India.
However, Rafael Nadal is the defending champion. He too will be eager to add another title to his long list of Grand Slam titles. Fans expect the Australian Open 2023 to be an exciting event as the two greats reignite their rivalry.
Also Read: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga reveals why he considers Andy Murray as his toughest opponent out of the Big 4
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