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Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal through illness has robbed Melbourne Park of a repeat of last year’s epic final, when Djokovic finally tamed the Spaniard at 1:40am after a record, 5hr 53min final which left him with bleeding toes.
But the Serbian world number one will face a stiff challenge from the newly assertive Andy Murray, fresh from his first Grand Slam win and keen to avenge his final and semi-final defeats to Djokovic in Melbourne in 2011 and 2012.
Also pressing hard will be Federer, holder of an unmatched 17 Grand Slams and still hungry for more even though, at the age of 31, he is conceding six years to his younger rivals.
Murray, the world number three, was thrashed by Djokovic in the 2011 Australian Open decider, and narrowly lost out in their thrilling five-set semi-final last year.
But the Scot then beat Djokovic on his way to London Olympics gold, and again in the US Open final as he became Britain’s first male Grand Slam singles winner since Fred Perry in 1936.
Despite Nadal’s absence because of a stomach virus, after a knee injury ruled him out for much of last year, the competing claims of the top three men leave the year’s opening Grand Slam unpredictable.
“I have high ambitions for myself, but I am absolutely aware it is going to be very difficult, because today’s men’s tennis is very competitive,” Djokovic said.
“Andy Murray winning his first Grand Slam title last year has also got him to this group of players that are serious candidates to win the Australian Open.”
Djokovic tuned up for the Open playing for Serbia in the mixed teams Hopman Cup in Perth, and he said he relished the battles to come at Melbourne Park, where he has won three of his five Grand Slam titles.
No one has won more than two consecutive Australian Open titles since Roy Emerson completed his run of five in a row in 1967, two years before the advent of professional tennis.
“It is a huge challenge. I love the Australian Open, that court brings out the best memories of my career, the great support I always get there, the night sessions, the day sessions, it is always interesting to play,” Djokovic said.
Every Grand Slam brings something special to it. The Australian Open is by far my most successful one so I am really looking forward to it. — AFP.
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