MELBOURNE – Novak Djokovic compares his relationship with the Australian Open on Sunday to a “love affair”, and admits he is still nervous on the track despite his years at the top.
The 33-year-old opens his campaign for an unprecedented ninth title at Melbourne Park, and the 18th Grand Slam crown, on Monday against Frenchman Jeremy Chardy, and he already feels reluctant.
“Every game, every game. Every game,” he said when asked, he was still getting nervous, despite being in his 17th Australian Open.
“I do not want to speak on behalf of the other athletes, but I feel it is almost impossible to eliminate the kind of pressure, anticipation, and the nerves that really come for an athlete in a match.
“It’s just that I’ve been able to train myself over the years,” he added.
‘I think with the experience and also with the dedication I had from the court for the spiritual preparation, which helped me to respond better to those kinds of emotions.
“But it’s still there. I do not think it’s ever going to go away. I mean, especially when the opportunity is great, when you play for the biggest trophies.”
Djokovic achieved his 17th Grand Slam in last year’s gripping final in Melbourne when he returned from 2-1 to Austrian Dominic Thiem in five sets.
– ‘Great sensation’ –
It was his only big success last year, as it looks like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who both have 20 each, will close.
The Serb said he hoped to be at Rod Laver Arena again, inspiring him to another title.
“Well, it’s a love affair,” he said of the Australian Open and central court.
‘I feel more comfortable on the track every year when I come back.
“I mean, the more you win, of course the more confidence you have and the more pleasant you feel on the track. It just feels right,” he added.
‘When I walked on the track for the first time in the training session this year, I relived some of the memories of last year, also the other years I won the tournament.
‘It just gives me a great sensation, a great feeling, confidence.
“Hopefully it can be a successful year again.”
Chardy is his first hurdle in the Monday session at the Rod Laver Arena, which shouldn’t be too much of an issue. They met 13 times and the Serb won them all.
Nevertheless, Djokovic does not take his opponent lightly.
“I have not played him for a while now. He is a very experienced player. He has been on the tour for many years. He has a big discount and a big upside,” he said.
“But of course I play ATP Cup and four games, two singles, two doubles at Rod Laver Arena, help me prepare well for the Australian Open.
“It is therefore a positive thing that I already have a lot of playing time on the track where I will start my Australian Open 2021 tomorrow night.”
© Agence France-Press