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via Reuters

via Reuters

The first major of 2024 is set to get underway on Sunday, January 14 and conclude on January 28 at Melbourne Park. Who will be the winner this time? This 28-year-old British tennis player picks Novak Djokovic as the favorite at the AO due to the Serbian’s incredible record at the Grand Slam. Let’s find out what the British number 1 has to say on the current world number 1 in men’s singles ahead of an intense 2024 season.

Cameron Norrie, recently revealed that he considers the Serbian the most formidable among the ‘Big Three’. Norrie had suffered defeat to Djokovic in 4 out of 4 encounters. Among which the recent came at the Davis Cup QFs. Djokovic defeated the Brit in a straight set with a margin of 6-4,6-4 to cement Serbia’s place in the semis of the 123-year-old prestigious tournament. He recently gave an interview to Tennis 365 and here’s what he said about the incredible Serb.

Norrie picks Novak Djokovic ahead of his challengers at the AO

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Cameron Norrie cited that Djokovic posed the greatest challenge for him in recent times. He mentioned how Djokovic elevated his games in the past few years. The Brit even praised the Serbian’s serving ability and expressed his desire to match his skills.

It’s just a few days left to kick-start the 2024 season and everyone is starting to pick their favorites for the upcoming season. Djokovic has won 10 titles at Melbourne Park, can he make it 11 this time? Here’s what Norrie thinks.

When you look at his record in Australia, clearly he [Djokovic] is the favourite,” Cameron Norrie said. He added, “The match at the Davis Cup was a tough one for me. I was doing a lot of fitness and a lot of cardio ahead of that match and it was so physical against him. It always is. It’s always a lot of fun to be playing against him and even though the result went against me. I wanted to set the tone high and finish the year with a good performance.”

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Norrie then went on to explain about his stiff challenge this year. “I was just trying to go in and challenge him. I think I definitely brought a much better level than I had at the last end of my year. So, I was kind of proud of how I competed, but it was still tough to lose that one. You want to see how close you are to the best player in the world at the moment. He won the ATP Finals the week before, so there is no doubt he is the best right now,” he said.

Novak Djokovic had a stellar season this year. He’d surely love to start the new season from where he had left off last season. Let’s have a look at his remarkable 2023 season.

READ MORE: Novak Djokovic’s ‘Act of Kindness’ Turns Tennis Coach Emotional as He Showers Praise on the Serbinator – ‘Without Wanting Publicity or PR’

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Djokovic’s astonishing run in 2023 puts him above others for 2024 season

The 24-time Grand Slam winner has added 7 titles this season. He won 3 out of 4 Grand Slams in 2023 with 2 Masters 1000 and an ATP 250 event at Adelaide before putting his mark on the season-ending championship. Novak Djokovic has now become the year-end number one for a record-extending 8th time in his career.

via Imago

The Serbian had to battle it out throughout the season with the 20YO Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz to get the top spot in the rankings. They had switched the top 7 times in between them this year. But ultimately Djokovic’s 56-7 win-loss record sealed the deal for the Serb. Now it’s time for his 25th Grand Slam. Can he achieve it in the AO or will it be a long wait? But before that, the top two in men’s singles will face each other in Riyadh on December 27 in an exhibition match. Are you excited to see the Clash of Titans before the season opener?

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