World No.2 Novak Djokovic has played down the hype surrounding his chances at the upcoming Australian Open despite guiding Serbia to the ATP Cup title on Sunday.
The 16-time grand slam champion scored crucial wins over Rafael Nadal before teaming up with Viktor Troicki in the doubles to guide the European nation to a 2-1 triumph over Spain. Djokovic exits the tournament with a perfect 8-0 winning record. Claiming six out of those eight victories in the singles. Besides Nadal, he also scored wins over US Open finalist Daniil Medvedev, former Wimbledon finalist Kevin Anderson and Gael Monfils.
“This has been one of the highlights of my career because you can’t really match any big win in tennis with the win that you get to share with your team,with your friends, with the people that I have known for the biggest part of my life.” Said Djokovic.
“It has been an amazing event.”
Djokovic’s latest conquest is a boost ahead of his title defence at the Australian Open. The former world No.1 is the most decorated male singles player in the history of the Melbourne major. Winning the trophy a record seven times since his maiden triumph back in 2008.
Despite his current form and record in Australia, the 32-year-old insists that this year’s grand slam is ‘really open.’ Citing the challenge he faces from fellow rivals Nadal and Roger Federer, as well as the rise of the next generation. Many pundits have predicted that 2020 will be the year where the dominance of the Big Three in grand slams will end.
“The last hard court Grand Slam was in New York, and Rafa won it. So I think it’s really open the Australian Open or any other slam.” Djokovic explained. “I don’t think there are really clear favourites.”
“You have obviously Federer, Nadal, myself because of the experience and everything and the rankings that we get to be probably named the top three favourites.’
“But then you have Medvedev, Tsitsipas, Dominic Thiem that is really showing some amazing tennis. The London Masters (ATP Finals) was an example where they showed that they matured to the big stage, that they can challenge the best players in the world and win against them.”
Whilst talking up his competition, Nadal has hailed his opponent as one of the best hard court players in recent years. Djokovic has now defeated the Spaniard nine consecutive times on the surface. Furthermore, 57 out of his 77 ATP titles have been won on a hard court.
“He has been the best player in the world on hard the last couple of years (on a hard court). To play against the best player is always difficult.” Nadal commented.
Despite his latest win, Djokovic’s place in the ATP rankings will remain unchanged. Meaning that he will be seeded second at the Australian Open.
The tournament will get underway on January 20th.
