MELBOURNE – Novak Djokovic compared his relationship with the Australian Open to “a love affair” on Sunday, admitting that he is still nervous when walking on the court, despite his years at the top.
The 33-year-old opens his campaign for the unprecedented ninth title in Melbourne Park and the 18th Grand Slam on Monday against Frenchman Jeremy Chardy, and he is already feeling nervous.
“Every match, every match. Every match,” he said when asked that he was still nervous, despite being at his 17th Australian Open.
“I don’t want to speak on behalf of the other athletes, but I feel that it is almost impossible to eliminate this type of pressure, anxiety, the nervousness that goes into any fight really for an athlete.
“It’s just that over the years I’ve managed to train myself,” he added.
“I think that with the experience and also with the dedication that I had outside the courts to mental preparation, which helped me to react better to these types of emotions.
“But it’s still there. I don’t think it’s ever going to end. I mean, especially when the occasion is big, when you’re playing for the biggest trophies.”
Djokovic won his 17th Grand Slam in the exciting final of last year in Melbourne, when he returned 2-1 to defeat Austrian Dominic Thiem in five sets.
– ‘Great feeling’ –
It was his only big hit last year, as it seems to close on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have 20 each.
The Serb said he hopes the return to Rod Laver Arena will inspire him to another title.
“Well, it’s a love affair,” he said of the Australian Open and its central court.
“I have been feeling more comfortable on the court every year I come back.
“I mean, the more you win, obviously the more confidence you have and the more pleasant you feel on the court. It feels right,” he added.
“When I stepped onto the court this year for the first time in the training session, I relived some of the memories from last year, also from the other years in which I won the tournament.
“It gives me a great feeling, a great feeling, confidence.
“I hope it can be another successful year.”
Chardy is his first hurdle in the Monday night session at Rod Laver Arena, which shouldn’t be much of a problem. They faced each other 13 times and the Serb won all of them.
Despite this, Djokovic is not taking his opponent lightly.
“I haven’t played him in a while. He’s a very experienced player. He’s been touring for many years. He has a great serve and a great forehand,” he said.
“But, obviously, playing the ATP Cup and having four matches, two singles and two doubles, at Rod Laver Arena helps prepare well for the Australian Open, I think.
“So it is obvious that this is positive, as I already have enough playing time on the court, where I will start the Australian Open 2021 tomorrow night.”
© Agence France-Presse