via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after winning his final match against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after winning his final match against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Amidst rising speculations regarding his journey to Australia, Novak Djokovic appears to have been silently going about his job as he was found practicing with the Australian Open balls in Marbella, Spain.
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Novak Djokovic was seen practicing with Australian Open balls
The Serbian star is yet to confirm his Australian Open appearance but pulled out of the ATP Cup, which begins on the 1st of January. The video of Djokovic’s practice was initially shared by the SotoTennis Academy from Spain.
We can confirm @DjokerNole is ready for @AustralianOpen if possible! pic.twitter.com/q9WJFzBU41
— SotoTennis Academy (@SotoTennis) December 31, 2021
Journalist James Gray from iPaper sport shared the video, adding information with respect to the balls used by Djokovic for his practice session.
A slightly weird development but here is a video of Novak Djokovic practising with Australian Open balls on a blue court – taken through a hedge.pic.twitter.com/zb0KqRJuTj
— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) December 31, 2021
Later, more footage emerged from Novak’s practice as fans began to believe that the ‘Australian Open’ hope remains intact.
More footage of @djokernole practicing today 👀😁🇪🇸 #djokovic
📸: https://t.co/HaHE3M7WCt pic.twitter.com/WM2MDL1uq0
— Julie 🇫🇷🇬🇧 (@NDjokofan) December 31, 2021
From the clips, Djokovic could be seen hitting backhands, coming towards the net and closing the point with a forehand winner. Over the past few days, the Serb has been all over sports media when his decision to pull out of the ATP Cup surfaced.
While Tennis Australia initially stated that there were no withdrawals from team Serbia, the information was revealed a day later in the tournament’s website. Owing to the absence of Novak, Dusan Lajovic will take charge as team captain.
Djokovic had an extraordinary 2021 ATP season
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Looking at the 2021 season of the Serb, he enjoyed one of the most dominant runs a player ever had on the ATP tour by winning three Grand Slam titles and reaching the final of the fourth. In the US Open, Djokovic was ousted by Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 12, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia (L) talks with Daniil Medvedev of Russia (R) during the trophy presentation after their match in the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
In-spite of the defeat, Djokovic will cherish the US Open final going forward as it was one of the few matches where he enjoyed absolute support from the crowd. This unusual reception made Novak emotional and got him off-track.
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However, Medvedev must be given the due credit for putting up a commanding display and not flinching in a big match. The Russian sealed off the victory in straight sets and won his first-ever Grand Slam title.
Also read: ‘Don’t Tell Anyone’: Rafael Nadal Announces Splendid News Ahead of Australian Open 2022
