Novak Djokovic reminisces memories of his first Australian Open title as he reaches his 10th final in Melbourne
Serbian star Novak Djokovic feels blessed after having wonderful memories in Australia over the years.
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Novak Djokovic (Image: ATP Tour)
The 2023 Australian Open is in its final round. The stage is set in Melbourne for the champions to be crowned from both men’s and women’s sides. Despite some hiccups, mostly off the court, the fortnight produced some of the most thrilling spectacles setting the tone for the season.
Before the final showdown, this edition of the season’s first Grand Slam witnessed some pretty unexpected results. But, as far as Novak Djokovic is concerned there was no change in the script. Not even minor cuts.
Djokovic was the overwhelming favorite before the tournament and he did not disappoint either. He faced several challenges in the forms of a hamstring injury, negative media coverage, and even his family getting drawn into an unforeseen controversy but the warrior he is, Djokovic refused to bog down in front of the onslaught.
The 35-year-old cruised to the final of the tournament after routing the American Tommy Paul 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 on Friday at Rod Laver Arena in two hours and 20 minutes. The win extended the Serb’s winning streak at the Australian Open to 27 matches reflecting how much he loves playing there.
It was 2008 when he lifted the Norman Brooks Challenge Cup, his first of nine, and fifteen years later he is yet again on course to lift it for the record-extending tenth time. Djokovic reflected upon his time in Australia and how he loved every moment he was there.
Novak Djokovic on the verge of history in Australia
“I have a vivid and strong imagination but I couldn’t have imagined the way things turned out. I’ve been truly blessed and trying [I’m] to treasure every moment,” Djokovic said reminiscing about his time Down Under.
Even after fifteen years Novak Djokovic still has the same energy and same hunger to dominate the world. “It means everything, especially at this stage of my career,” said Djokovic. “I need that engine, I need that energy, and I’m really thankful that I still have enough gas in my legs to be able to play at this level on one of the biggest tennis courts in the world.”
Djokovic was especially thankful to his family for standing behind him for all these years. “Without my family and team, things wouldn’t be possible. You are by yourself on the court, you take the responsibility but credit where it is due – the team is with me through the bad moments, and it is as much their success,” he acknowledged.
On Sunday the Rod Laver Arena will host one final encounter before drawing the curtains on the Australian Open 2023. Novak Djokovic will face the final hurdle in his path to eternal glory in the form of the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas.
If Djokovic wins the final battle he will definitely immortalize himself in the history books of the game. His tenth title will level him with his Spanish Rival Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam tally and will propel him to the top of the ATP rankings. Clearly rewards far outweigh the risks and Djokovic will do everything in his capacity to not let them slip.
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Abhinavendu Singh
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