With the season’s first Grand Slam tournament right around the corner, tennis fans and players are all riled up. According to Serena Williams‘ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Novak Djokovic might have a tough time at this year’s Australian Open. Looking back at 2022, Melbourne Park was not exactly the best of memories for Djokovic. After the Australian Government revoked his visa last year, Djokovic had to drop out of the tournament.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Serb was not allowed to take part in the tournament due to his vaccination status. He was deported out of the country following the strict Covid-19 guidelines. According to Mouratoglou, Djokovic has quite a few silent battles to overcome this Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic might need some time to adjust to Australia again
In a conversation with Arnold Montgault from Eurosport, Mouratoglou said, “It’s going to be tough for Novak in Australia, that’s for sure.” This comes as a no-shocker after Djokovic’s confession about the dark times he has gone through after what happened in Australia last year.
Patrick continued, “He going to carry a big emotional baggage. He’s been through so much, emotionally speaking. Nobody is immune. It’s going to be hard. I hope he doesn’t fall apart like he did at the US Open 2021 because there was too much.” Mouratoglou referred to the time when Djokovic cried bitterly after he was overwhelmed by the audience’s support after he lost in the US Open 2021.
Read more: Despite $1 Billion Backing, Australian Open in Troubled Waters as China Scare Looms Over
However, Mouratoglou has made a positive speculation based on the amount of rest Djokovic has gotten in the last months. Also, considering that the Australian Open is the first Grand Slam tournament of this season, he said, “It’s the pre-season, it’s the off-season and there’s no stress of competition. So he’s going to be emotionally rested, which is good. And then he won’t start directly with the Australian Open, so he’ll have time to get used to the atmosphere there.”
Djokovic’s 2023 speculations
Djokovic is still the former world No. 1 with the highest number of weeks holding on to the title. He has started his 2023 season at Adelaide International and has already started his winning streak. Djokovic fans were elated at the visa approval announcement for the Serb this 2023 AO. If Djokovic wins in Melbourne where he is already a 9-time champion, he will stand alongside
Nadal for winning the most men’s Grand Slam singles titles.According to Mouratoglou, Djokovic must be shown some respect by the fans on court when he makes his comeback. It is definitely disheartening to hear any player say that they’re not a “crowd-favorite” in big matches.
Do you think Djokovic will win the Australian Open 2023 and equal Nadal’s record? Let us know in the comments.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad