Australian Open: Djokovic ready to launch quest for 11th title at Melbourne Park

Novak Djokovic opens his challenge for an 11th Australian Open title on Monday when he takes on Spain’s Pedro Martinez.

Djokovic’s love affair with Melbourne – aside from his undignified deportation in 2022 due to Covid rules – shows no sign of easing and the Serb reached the semi-finals 12 months ago before having to retire after losing the first set to Alexander Zverev.

Aged 38, Djokovic knows his best years are behind him but is still clinging on to the hope he can record a record 25th grand slam triumph.

“I try to focus myself on what I have achieved, not what I’m possibly achieving,” Djokovic said. “I mean, I hope it comes to that, but 24 is also not a bad number. I have to appreciate that and remind myself of the amazing career I had and also, you know, release some of that unnecessary pressure.

“I mean, obviously there is always pressure and expectations, but, you know, I don’t think it’s needed for me to really go far in terms of make-it-or-break-it type of thing, [a] now-or-never type of mentality. I don’t feel it’s necessary. Neither does that allow me to excel and perform my best.”

Djokovic confident he can still beat Alcaraz and Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the two dominant male players in the sport but Djokovic is still confident he can see off the Spaniard and the Italian when at his best.

He added: “I’m just grateful to have another shot, particularly here, a place where I won 10 Grand Slam titles and been consistently playing well and reaching the final stages.

“Last couple of years also semifinals, ’24 semifinals, ’25. Had a great win against Carlos in quarters last year.

“Look, I know that when I’m healthy, when I’m able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together on a given day, I feel like I can beat anybody. If I don’t have that self-belief and confidence in myself, I wouldn’t be here.”

Martinez is ranked 71st in the world and has not gone beyond the second round at Melbourne Park.