“Let’s see how he deals with it,” Casper Ruud believes Novak Djokovic won’t have a cakewalk at the 2023 Australian Open
Ruud believes that despite being the man to beat, Djokovic will be under pressure as he starts his campaign for the 10th title in Melbourne.
Casper Rudd, Novak Djokovic (Image: CNN)
As the Australian Open is set to start in the coming week, naturally Serbian star Novak Djokovic is the man of the hour. He is the overwhelming favorite in the season’s first Grand Slam. Not only tennis pundits but his fellow competitors believe that Djokovic like consistency is unprecedented in the sport.
Norwegian World No. 3 Casper Ruud too gave his views on the ‘favorite’ for the Australian Open. He believes Djokovic is the “closest that you can get to a robot” in terms of his consistency. Ruud also considers that with being the foremost favorite comes additional pressure for Djokovic.
“Let’s see how he deals with it because it’s something, to get to 10, I can only imagine and it’s something to actually tie the record of Rafa, so there’s a lot at stake,” Rudd said about the pressure Djokovic must be feeling before his march for 10th title in Melbourne.
“He has not been a guy known for choking, to put it this way, or letting these things get into his head, but I think it’s a different situation chasing a record, and actually setting and tying a record could be different,” the 24-year old further added.
The Second seed Norwegian is projected to be the one among a couple of players to meet Djokovic in the Semifinals. Ruud believes that the younger generation including himself will pose a big challenge for Djokovic.
“So let’s see if the younger generation can try to push him a little bit this year because that would be motivating for the younger guys. If you can deal with Novak and play well with him at the Australian Open, it would mean that you’re doing something right,” Rudd expressed.
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Novak Djokovic remains the man to beat in the Australian Open
Just a couple of days are remaining before the Australian Open starts in Melbourne. Draws for the tournament are already out. In the men’s side, Serbian star Novak Djokovic remains the overwhelming favorite despite the presence of Rafael Nadal, and Nick Kyrgios among others.
Djokovic is the fourth seed in the tournament but as the form and the preparations go, he seems to be far ahead of the players above him. Djokovic just won the Adelaide International emphatically last week. There were some injury concerns during the event but the nine-time Australian Open champion has overcome all.
The Serb will play Nick Kyrgios in a practice match that will further consolidate his preparations. In the opening round, Djokovic will face Spanish Roberto Carballés Baena which will be a cakewalk for him. The few rounds too will be easy sail for Djokovic. The biggest challenge for him will come in the final as Rafael Nadal is likely to meet him in the summit clash.
If everything goes according to the 35-year-old Djokovic’s plans, the fans are in for the tenth time title glory for Djokovic this Australian summer.
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Abhinavendu Singh
(290 Articles Published)