Novak Djokovic Shuts Door on His Rivals With a Strong Statement Ahead of Australian Open – ‘Myself Always First’

While 2023 was a special year for Novak Djokovic, the 2024 season will be even more important. It is the year of the Paris Olympics, a title that the Serb hasn’t managed to win in his career. The start of the season will shape Djokovic’s chances in Paris later this season. As a result, the Australian Open becomes all the more valuable for the World Number 1. Even before the start of the tournament, Djokovic issued a stern warning to his rivals.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner is the defending champion at the tournament. He is the top seed and a strong favorite to win the title Down Under. Here’s what he had to say about his rivals ahead of the tournament.

It is Djokovic vs Djokovic in the Grand Slam, no matter how strong the opponent is

Although Djokovic is the top seed at the Australian Open, he will face a stern challenge from the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev. However, he had an interesting take on them before the tournament.

During a pre-tournament interview, Djokovic was asked who the biggest threat to him was at the Grand Slam Down Under. Replying to this question, he said, “Myself always first, and then of course all the other best players in the world. Any player is here with, I’m sure, intention to achieve the dream of winning a Grand Slam. Some players are obviously more expected to go further than some others.”

Further, he went on to add, “It’s 128 draw. It’s a Grand Slam. We know what Grand Slam represents for our sport. It’s where every player wants to play their best tennis. Yeah, it’s exciting to be a part of another slam.”

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Djokovic has already started playing mind games over his rivals. Despite downplaying the challenge of the likes of Alcaraz, he once hailed the Spaniard’s tremendous rise on the ATP Tour.

What did Djokovic say about Alcaraz’s rise?

While Djokovic dominated the 2023 season, Alcaraz defeated the Serb in the finals of the Wimbledon Championships. Thereafter, he also displaced Djokovic from the top spot in the ATP rankings which the Serb later won back. During an interview last year, Djokovic was all praise of Alcaraz’s game.

Djokovic said, “He is one of the most impressive players that I have ever faced in my life, no doubt. Very complete in every aspect. Also, very nice guy, great family, great team.”

The Serb will open his Australian Open campaign tomorrow. He will be up against qualifier, Dino Prizmic, in the opening round. Their match will take place during the night session at Rod Laver Arena.

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