Australia has always been a special country for Novak Djokovic but in some way this year might be even more so.
The world No.1 is already the most decorated male singles champion in Australian Open history with eight titles. His most recent triumph occurred last year where he battled from behind to defeat Dominic Thiem in five sets in the final. The Rod Laver Arena, which is the premier venue of the Grand Slam, is one Djokovic himself describes as ‘home.’ It was on that court where he won his first major title back in 2008.
“I had probably the most exciting matches played on this court, and definitely the longest match ever that I played was in the final, almost six hours with Rafa in 2012,” Djokovic said during a virtual press conference on Sunday.
“Just too many memories, beautiful memories, to pick one that would stand out.’
“Each year that I come back to the court, it feels even better. The more you win obviously on the court, the more confident you feel coming back to it.”
Perhaps the feeling is even more positive this year following what has been a difficult past few months for many around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year professional tennis was halted for weeks and when the Tour resumed most tournaments took place either without a crowd or with a reduced capacity.
It was for this reason why so many were rejoicing on Friday with the Day at the Drive exhibition which Djokovic was a part of. The event took place in front of 4000 fans sitting next to each other. A true testament to Australia’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I had goosebumps coming into the court playing in front of the fans again after 12 months of not experiencing that,” said Djokovic who only played one set due to a hand blister.
“It feels like ages playing without fans. Hopefully this is all temporary, that we will be able to experience everywhere we go the fact of playing in front of the fans, not just here in Australia.”
At the age of 33, the Serbian tennis giant says it is the fans who act as one of his biggest motivations to continue his career on the Tour. Djokovic has no intention of retiring from tennis anytime soon with the all-time Grand Slam title record within touching distance. Both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have won 20 Grand Slams, which is three more than Djokovic who is the youngest out of the trio.
“At this stage of my career, after playing professional tennis more than 15 years, this is one of the biggest driving forces or motivations, inspirations that I have,” he explained.
“Playing in front of a crowd, feeding off that energy, exchanging that great passion and joy that I and the fans have for the sport.’
“Playing with absolutely no crowds at the end of last season was not easy.”
The Adelaide experience has only wet Djokovic’s appetite ahead of the ATP Cup where he will be aiming to guide Serbia to the title for a second year in a row. The tournament will start on Tuesday.
