Novak Djokovic will compete at the Laver Cup for the first time since 2018, joining other legends in London’s O2 Arena. Novak has not played since the Wimbledon final, unable to compete at the US Open due to his vaccination status.
Asked about his current Australian Open status, Novak admitted the decision is not in his hands, waiting for news from Australia and hoping for a positive outcome. Djokovic secured his seventh Wimbledon crown in July to lift the 21st Major crown and move one behind Rafael Nadal.
Still, the Serb missed both Major on his favorite hard court and ruined a chance for an even better year. Novak hopes to change that in Melbourne in four months, eager to chase his tenth Australian Open title. Recently, there was good news about Novak’s participation in Melbourne, with senior Federal Government officials deciding to allow Novak to enter Australia and compete.
The Serb will avoid this year’s mistake, waiting for official confirmation of his entrance to Australia. Djokovic’s first Major title came in Melbourne 2008, and he became the dominant figure at the season’s first Major in 2011.
Novak’s ninth Melbourne Open crown came last year following a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Daniil Medvedev in an hour and 53 minutes. In the third round, Novak experienced an abdomen injury against the young American Taylor Fritz and gathered dark clouds over his title chances.
Novak Djokovic hopes to compete in Australia in January.
Novak endured the following challenges and beat Milos Raonic, Alexander Zverev and Aslan Karatsev to find himself in the ninth Australian Open final. The Serb hit 20 winners and 17 unforced errors against Medvedev in the title clash, losing serve twice and dominating the return with seven breaks from 11 opportunities.
As was expected, it was a tight battle in the opening set, as they stayed neck and neck. Djokovic held at love at 5-5 and broke Medvedev in the next one when the Russian netted a forehand to wrap up the set and gain a massive boost.
Novak used this boost and experience to dominate sets two and three, playing well on serve and return to win them 6-2 and lift the trophy. “I’m waiting for the news; it’s not in my hands right now. I’m hoping I can get some positive news,” Novak Djokovic said.
