Highlights: Djokovic hits Aus Open century with sparkling win
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Boris Becker said Novak Djokovic could have a “trick up his sleeve” at the Australian Open after the 10-time winner began his tournament with a dominant 6-3 6-2 6-2 win over Pedro Martinez.The 38-year-old had almost no preparation for the first Grand Slam of the year, and most expect him to again fall short of the standards set by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
But six-time Grand Slam winner Becker suggested Djokovic, who last won a major title in 2023, could go further than anticipated.
“That was a perfect first round for Novak Djokovic,” he told TNT Sports. “The length of the match is good for him, as is the way he played.
“We don’t need to say anything more about his serve – it was absolutely world class today. You didn’t know what to expect.
“Novak hasn’t played a tournament in 10 weeks, but after tonight we know that Novak Djokovic is in brilliant shape.
‘Insane and phenomenal’ – Henman wowed by Djokovic’s Melbourne record
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“I was very pleasantly surprised with his level last year, particularly in the Grand Slams. He’s beaten everybody else except Sinner or Alcaraz, and there’s no shame in that because those two have dominated tennis for the better part of two years.
“He’s 38, and it gives him a great challenge and inspiration that he can still compete with them.
“Naturally, with age you don’t recover as quickly and you get tired a bit faster than if you’re 28, and Sinner and Alcaraz are much younger. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Novak is in his best form starting in Melbourne.
“I mean, he’s won the tournament 10 times. If there’s one guy who knows how to win in Melbourne, it’s Novak Djokovic.”
Djokovic had originally been scheduled to play at the Adelaide International earlier this month, but said he was “not physically ready” to compete.
“Some people say it’s a disadvantage that he hasn’t played anywhere else, but maybe he has a trick up his sleeve,” Becker added. “Maybe he did something over the winter he doesn’t want to show until the first round.
“I’ve seen his draw and I think it’s decent. I wouldn’t be surprised if he reaches another semi-final. And then who knows? Maybe Sinner doesn’t make it that far – there’s always a chance one of the top guys loses early. It’s unlikely, but they’re human beings.
“I like Novak a lot; we’re still very close, so I wish him nothing but the best. For me, age is nothing but a number. For me, you’re either good or you’re not good. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 38 or whether you’re 17.”
Courier: Djokovic has one advantage over Alcaraz and Sinner
Two-time Australian Open winner Jim Courier revealed the “one advantage” Djokovic has over his younger rivals Alcaraz and Sinner.
“The only advantage he has over Sinner and Alcaraz is experience,” Courier said. “Last year against Carlos in the quarter-finals, his ability to use that experience while injured made the difference.
“Carlos wasn’t experienced enough yet to know how to take advantage. So, the experience edge is still there, but that’s probably the only one.”
But Courier admitted youthful energy could be a decisive factor again.
Djokovic jokes he sent ‘copyright’ claim to Alcaraz over new-look serve
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“It comes down to his fitness,” the American said. “He’s said it’s challenging now to take on Alcaraz and Sinner in best of five. We’ll see. His game hasn’t aged the way his body has.
“It’s ridiculous that he made four semi-finals last year at his age. He’s more than capable of winning another major, and going for number 11 in Australia – almost half of his total if he gets to 25.
“He loves it there and plays well there. The question is whether he’s fit.”
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