Novak Djokovic underlined that he is still fully confident in his abilities, adding that he and Rafael Nadal are «still going strong with the older guys.» In 2022, the 35-year-old Djokovic was limited to two Grand Slam tournaments: he was able to win Wimbledon and clinch his 21st Grand Slam title.
On the other hand, Nadal, 36, won the Australian Open and French Open titles to become a record 22-time Grand Slam champion. At the US Open, where Djokovic did not play and Nadal lost in the round of 16, Carlos Alcaraz ended up winning the title.
“I always have faith in myself and I believe that I can win every tournament I play in. I think with the career that I’ve had, I feel like I deserve to have that kind of mental focus, I guess. Things are obviously different.
Lots of young people on tour, [there has been] a kind of change of generations. But [Rafael] Christmas and me [we are] continues to be strong from the seniors,» Djokovic said, according to the ATP website.
Nadal receives Djokovic in Australia
This week, Djokovic landed in Adelaide.
12 months after the Australian visa saga, Djokovic is back in Australia. Nadal, who won the 2022 Australian Open in Djokovic’s absence, said he is happy for Djokovic because he believes the game is better with the Serb competing.
“Novak is here, good for tennis, probably good for the fans. Let’s see, right? The best players on the court are always better,» Nadal said of Djokovic’s return to Australia. At the Australian Open, Djokovic is a record nine-time Australian Open champion.
Going into this year’s Australian Open, Djokovic is the top seed to win the title again. Before missing the 2022 Australian Open, Djokovic captured three straight titles at Melbourne Park. Djokovic will no doubt be extremely motivated at Melbourne Park and many believe he will make a great comeback at the Australian Open.
