Novak Djokovic’s 2022 has been affected by his decision not to get vaccinated against the Coronavirus. The Serbian had to miss the Australian Open and the US Open, two tournaments in which he would have been the main favorite to win.
In addition to suffering serious image damage, Nole saw how his eternal rival Rafael Nadal moved away in the ranking of all Slams. The 35-year-old from Belgrade revived his season by triumphing at Wimbledon for the seventh time in his career, the fourth in a row.
The former number 1 in the world thus equaled his idol Pete Sampras and shortened the distance that separates him from Nadal. The ‘Djoker’ won the Tel Aviv and Astana ATPs, ensuring his place at the Turin ATP Finals.
The 21-time Slam champion now has 90 career titles of his own, 13 fewer than Roger Federer (he would need 20 to overtake Connors). During an interview with ‘Lista Jutarnji’, Goran Ivanisevic analyzed Djokovic’s prospects in detail.
«The record of titles? Everything related to some kind of record is interesting for Novak Djokovic» – said Ivanisevic. “Nobody knows how long he will continue to play, but I want to say that Nole can aspire to that record.
Despite his 35 years, he is still in very good shape and his body has shown no signs of failing so far. I think Djokovic can stay at the top for another three years,» Goran added. At the Eurosport Germany microphones, Mischa Zverev praised Novak: «I think he is incredibly strong.
Although he hasn’t played for about three months, he has managed to win two tournaments in a row playing great tennis. She obviously hasn’t been sidelined due to injury, but it’s not easy to regain confidence immediately.
I am convinced that his level will continue to rise in the next tournaments. It is impressive what he is doing at 35 years old «The Serbian is waiting to find out if he will be able to travel to Australia next January.
Nole will play the Finals
Daniil Medvedev’s youth coach and former ATP player Jean-Rene Lisnard is of the opinion that Novak Djokovic’s participation in the Australian Open is irrelevant in deciding his greatness.
«Djokovic is Djokovic, and he will remain Djokovic regardless of whether or not he participates in the Australian Open. He is Superovich!» he said. “If he doesn’t play in this or that tournament, what will happen to him? Only the tournament will suffer.
He fights for his rights, and I think he’s right. Before, I really didn’t like him, but the further this whole situation progressed, the more I sympathized with him. He is the only one in this world of tennis who can call things by his name and do what he wants,» he said. «This inspires great respect.»
