While he may not be at the top of the world rankings, Serbian star Novak Djokovic still looks set to be the man to beat ahead of the four Grand Slam events in 2023.
The 35-year-old might be approaching the end of his incredible playing career but the 21-time Grand Slam champion looks to be as hungry as ever to add to his tally of major titles.
Djokovic Feeling Fresh For New Season
Having had a reduced schedule in 2022 and not competing at competitions over in Australia and the United States, Djokovic should be fresh for an assault on the Grand Slam titles next year. Djokovic, who is the 6/4 favourite when you bet on tennis to win the Australian Open in 2023, has revealed he has had “positive signs” that he will feature in Melbourne in January. Many tennis predictions understandably will have Djokovic at the favourite for the Aussie Open, especially when considering his remarkable record in Melbourne. The Serb star has managed to win the tournament on nine occasions with his last success in the state of Victoria coming in 2021 when he beat Russia’s Daniil Medvedev 7-5 6-2 6-2 in the final.
While many of his rivals will have travelled across the world and continued their busy schedule of tournaments, the extra time to train and prepare is likely to have done Djokovic plenty of good. There is of course a balance to be made with a potential loss of match sharpness but the veteran will be hoping appearances at the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals at the end of this year will take care of that.
Federer Gone But Nadal Rivalry Continues
With the retirement of the great Roger Federer this year, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal remain as two of the other iconic players of this golden generation. The pair will continue to battle it out in the Grand Slam standings, with Nadal currently one title ahead of Djokovic’s 21. The Spaniard made an electric start to 2022 by winning both the Australian Open and French Open, before injury hampered his efforts at Wimbledon and the US Open.
Nadal will be hoping the management of his chronic foot problem and recent abdominal injury will see him challenge once again for Grand Slam success next year. The ‘King of Clay’ will certainly be the man to beat for the French Open at Roland Garros, while he should also be ready to defend his title at the Australian Open. Djokovic and Nadal have enjoyed some titanic encounters over the years and any future ones at Grand Slam events should be savoured, as both stars approach the ends of their illustrious careers.
Djokovic has endured a hectic 2022 and still managed to come away from the year with another Wimbledon title. With hopefully a more settled schedule ahead of him, Djokovic looks like being the man to beat in the highly-anticipated Grand Slams in 2023.
