“I want to be the best,” Novak Djokovic says it is no ‘secret’ that he wants to level Rafael Nadal’s tally of 22 majors
Novak Djokovic says that it is no secret that he wants to level Rafael Nadal's tally of 22 Major titles.
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Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic enters the 2023 Australian Open as one of the clear favourites. The Serbian has been in fine form in lead up to the tournament, having won the Adelaide Open last week. The former world number one has an excellent track record in Melbourne, as he has claimed nine Australian Open titles till date.
Novak Djokovic has claimed 21 Major tiles so far, just one less than Rafael Nadal’s tally of 22 majors. The nine-time Australian Open champion has stated several times in the past that he desires to end up with the most Grand Slam titles. The 35-year-old did not back down from this claim recently, stating that he backs himself to win at the Rod Laver Arena again.
Rafael Nadal enters as the defending champion, after he got the better of Daniil Medvedev in an epic final last year. “That’s why I keep on playing professional tennis, because I want to be the best, and win the biggest tournaments in the world, and there is no secret about this. It does not get bigger than this,” said Djokovic, when asked about his intentions to level Nadal’s tally of 22 Majors.
“I love playing at the Rod Laver Arena” : Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic could not participate at the 2022 Australian Open, as he was deported back home owing to covid-19 vaccination requirements. The Serbian stated that he was looking forward to return to Melbourne, and fancies his chances at the Rod Laver Arena again.
“I was looking forward to coming to Australia because of my records here. I really love playing at the Rod Laver Arena, particularly the night sessions. Hopefully it can continue this year. I am in good shape. I ended the year in the best possible way, and continued the form in Adelaide,” said Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic claimed the Adelaide Open title, after defeating Sebastian Korda in a tricky final encounter. The Serb opens his 2023 Australian Open campaign against Roberto Carballes Baena on Tuesday evening at the Rod Laver Arena. Seeded fourth in Melbourne, Novak Djokovic is not expected to face Rafael Nadal until the finals, since the duo are placed on opposite sides of the draw.
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Nirmit Mehta
(2425 Articles Published)