Hopefully I can have a decent reception in Australia – Djokovic

The Serb also reiterates that he plans to continue playing as long as he can continue to compete at the top level and has the fire in him

Novak Djokovic practices prior to the 2022 Australian Open Image Credit: AI/Reuters/Panoramic

Haresh Ramchandani

December 25, 2022

Novak Djokovic has won the Australian Open nine times in his career – making it the most successful Grand Slam in his career. Just like Rafael Nadal has dominated Roland-Garros and Roger Federer has been the King of Wimbledon, Melbourne has been Djokovic’s happy hunting ground.

That was until the 2022 Australian Open came about and the visa controversy that ultimately led to his deportation. Now 12 months on, Djokovic’s three-year ban has been lifted and the Serb will return to Melbourne with the aim to win a 10th title and tie Rafael Nadal at 22 Grand Slams.

After the unwelcome reception he received this year, Djokovic hopes to get a warmer reception Down Under.

“I always ask the best from myself so let’s see. Over the years I’ve been really fortunate to start very strong in Australia and I love playing there,” Djokovic said in Dubai where he is playing the World Tennis League. “After obviously what happened earlier this year, hopefully I can have a decent reception there and hopefully that can help me play some good tennis.”

As long as I have the fire, I’ll keep going – Djokovic

With one of his all-time rivals, Roger Federer, hanging up his rackets after turning 40 and the other one, Rafael Nadal, still winning Majors at the age of 36, Djokovic remains firm that he wants to continue to play as long as he can.

“I would like to play as long as I possibly can. I don’t have really any number in my head. Things are progressing so far pretty well for me. I can’t complain. So as long as I play at this level, as long as I have the fire, I’ll keep going,” the Serb said.