Australian Open: Novak Djokovic plays in a league of his own
The Australian Open 2023 showed it once again: WhenNovak Djokovic is in top form on hard court, he is in a league of his own.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Jan 30, 2023, 06:43 pm
So it was up to Enzo Couacaud to take the only set from Novak Djokovic at this year's Australian Open. Well, the freshly crowned 22-time Grand Slam winner was never in danger in the second round, but at least the 27-year-old Frenchman can write this prestigious success in his CV from now on.
Otherwise, my herb grew again against Djokovic in Melbourne. Grigor Dimitrov and Stefanos Tsitsipas came closest to winning a set, but overall the first days of the new season only allow one conclusion: if Novak Djokovic is fit and in shape, he is the best tennis player in the world. With distance.
Djokovic is missing 2000 points from Wimbledon
This fact has also been reflected in the world rankings since Monday. And that's despite the fact that Djokovic didn't get any points for his triumph in Wimbledon in 2022 and missed all tournaments in North America - including the US Open and four Masters 1000 events - due to his lack of vaccination against the corona virus.
According to the current status, Djokovic is threatened with a similar scenario this year, as the US entry regulations still require full COVID-19 vaccination protection. But back to the essentials: If the Serbian high-flyer is allowed to play, the competition for him seems negligible.
Djokovic has the youth under control
So far, the next generation - with the exception of Daniil Medvedev - has failed to prove that they can beat Djokovic in a Grand Slam tournament. Even a 2-0 lead in sets is by no means a guarantee that you will reach this milestone. Ask Jannik Sinner or Stefanos Tsitsipas.
And so it is and will remain up to Rafael Nadal at the French Open to pose lasting problems for Djokovic. This endeavor seems increasingly difficult on hard court, but the 36-year-old Spaniard can always be expected to succeed on his beloved terre battue in Roland Garros. Even a Novak Djokovic in top form.
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