The 24-time Grand Slam winner is again in motion on Thursday as he takes on Francesco Maestrelli within the second spherical of the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic has been supported by Greg Rusedski (Picture: Getty)
Greg Rusedski has disagreed with fellow ex-pro John McEnroe on Novak Djokovic’s possibilities of profitable a twenty fifth Grand Slam title. The 38-year-old’s final Grand Slam title got here within the 2023 US Open.
The tournaments have since been dominated by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. They’ve received 4 of the final eight Grand Slams accessible, with the final three seeing the pair come up towards one another within the ultimate.
Djokovic reached the semi-finals of all 4 Slams final 12 months, however fell brief in every of the matches, with three coming towards Alcaraz or Sinner. He shall be seeking to change that within the Australian Open, however McEnroe has written off his possibilities.
Nonetheless, former British primary Rusedski believes it’s too early to dismiss the Serb. Talking on the Off Court docket Cuts podcast, he stated: “I assumed it was actually fascinating to listen to McEnroe’s feedback that he doesn’t really feel Novak can beat Alcaraz and Sinner back-to-back.
“All of us really feel that, however boy was he good in his opening spherical and let’s have a look at one statistic. 100 wins Down Underneath in Australia and he has completed that in three of the 4 Slams.
“The one one he hasn’t completed it’s within the US Open. 400 wins at majors! Most individuals don’t try this on all the tournaments they play. Don’t low cost Novak if he can transfer by way of the rounds simply.
“Everybody was speaking about his neck being a bit bit sore and asking whether or not he can be wholesome sufficient, however he is aware of learn how to handle his physique. That’s why he’s the GOAT.
“Lots of people would possibly suppose, ‘Why are you continue to going at this level, you haven’t received in a few years and you might be so used to profitable?’ Why not can be the query?
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“In my ebook, he’s No 3 on this planet. He made 4 semis final 12 months and beat Alcaraz right here. He should suppose he can nonetheless win this in any other case, as a result of he received’t play except he thinks he can win, which is more durable as a result of he doesn’t play a lot.”
Djokovic made gentle work of his first-round match in Melbourne on Monday, seeing off Spaniard Pedro Martinez in a cushty three units. He’s subsequent again in motion within the early hours of Thursday morning when he takes on Francesco Maestrelli within the second spherical on the Rod Laver Area.
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