“This is exactly what I’ve imagined,” Novak Djokovic over his 2022 deportation, has all eyes on the Australian Open title
The Serbian has moved on from the events of 2022 and is looking forward to the his 10th Australian Open final
Follow Us
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic says he is over the deportation drama he faced in Australia in 2022 due to his unvaccinated status. Djokovic said he doesn’t hold any grudges but had a different feeling coming to the country for this year’s Australian Open. He revealed that the love he always receives in Australia has helped him deal with any residual feelings from last year’s events.
Djokovic said in the post-match press conference after beating Tommy Paul in the semifinals, “Honestly, I’m over it. Once I came to Australia, my intentions were always very positive to come back. Of course, the feelings of coming back to Australia this year were different than any other year because of the events of last year. I said many times that I don’t hold any grudges, that I just love playing in Australia, love being here. That kind of emotion I feel like helped me to feel comfortable and to play well.”
Djokovic pointed to his brilliant results as proof of his comfort in the country. He pointed out, “I won Adelaide, now I’m in the finals of the Australian Open. I haven’t lost a match in last five weeks in Australia. I’m really glad to be here and play that well.” Djokovic has broken many records since he landed Down Under. The 35-year-old notched up his 100th win in the country in Adelaide. He also extended his unbeaten streak in Australia to 5 years. But he’s not ready to settle with that as he aims to win the 10th Australian Open title of his career.
“I’m, of course, very satisfied and pleased to be in another Grand Slam finals. This is exactly what I’ve imagined and hoped that will happen when I came to Australia, with intention to be in a position to fight for another Australian Open trophy. I think the experience of being in this particular situation and circumstances helps. I also think the fact that I never lost the Australian Open finals definitely serves as a great confidence booster before Sunday,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic continued his brilliance against American Tommy Paul. He won in straight sets against first-time semifinalist Paul to set up a juicy final championship decider against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Novak Djokovic aware of Stefanos Tsitsipas challenge in final but confident
Djokovic is aware of the challenge of facing Tsitsipas. But he is also confident he can undo the Greek player, having played against him so frequently.
“Still the job needs to be done on the court. I’m going to play against Tsitsipas, who is in a great shape, great form, has been playing some of his best tennis. I’m sure he will be very motivated to win his first Grand Slam title,” Djokovic said. He gave his thoughts on their rivalry, saying, “I know his game pretty well. He knows my game well. We played several times on different surfaces. We played in one Grand Slam finals, was on clay, though, in Roland Garros some years ago.”
Djokovic backed himself and said he’s more motivated than ever to win a Grand Slam title. “ I know what’s ahead of me, and I’m excited. Fortunately for me at this stage of my career, it is always basically every match or tournament because of all the achievements. There is always something on the line, particularly when the Grand Slams are played.”
Incase you missed it:
Stay Updated!
Samarth Srivastava
(139 Articles Published)