MELBOURNE – Novak Djokovic compared his relationship with the Australian Open to “a love affair” on Sunday, admitting he still gets nervous walking down the track despite his years at the helm.
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 is already feeling nervous.
“Every game, every game. Every game,” he said when asked if he was still getting nervous despite being at his 17th Australian Open.
“I don’t want to speak on behalf of other athletes, but I just feel like it’s almost impossible to eliminate that kind of pressure, anticipation, the nerves that go into any match really for an athlete.
“It’s just that over the years I managed to train,” he added.
“I think with the experience and dedication I had off the track in mental preparation, this helped me react better to those kinds of emotions.
“But it’s still there. I don’t think it will ever go away. I mean, especially when the opportunity is great, when you play the biggest trophies.”
Djokovic won his 17th Grand Slam in last year’s final in Melbourne, when he returned 2-1 at the border with Austria’s Dominic Thiem in five sets.
– “Great feeling” –
It was his only major success last year, as he looks set to approach Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who both have 20.
The Serb said he hoped to return to the Rod Laver Arena to inspire another title.
“Well, it’s a love affair,” he said of the Australian Open and its central track.
“I felt more comfortable on the track every year I came back.
“I mean, the more you win, obviously, the more confidence you have and the more enjoyable you feel on the track. It feels good,” he added.
“When I stepped on the track this year for the first time in the training session, I relived some of last year’s memories, also the other years I won the tournament.
“It just gives me a lot of feeling, a lot of feeling, confidence.
“Hopefully it can be another successful year.”
Chardy is his first hurdle in Monday night’s session at Rod Laver Arena, which shouldn’t be too much trouble. They have met 13 times and the Serb has beaten them all.
Despite this, Djokovic does not take his opponent lightly.
“I haven’t played him in a long time. He’s a very experienced player. He’s been on tour for many years. He has great service and a great right,” he said.
“But obviously playing in the ATP Cup and having four games, two singles, two doubles at the Rod Laver Arena helps prepare you well for the Australian Open, I think.
“So this is obviously positive to have quite a bit of game time on the court where I will start my Australian 2021 open tomorrow night.”
© France-Presse Agency