© Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
Laura Robson has Novak Djokovic as the No. 1 Australian Open favorite as the 2012 London Olympics mixed doubles silver medalist thinks there is just “something that works” outstandingly well for the Serb at Melbourne Park.
In 2023 January, Djokovic saw off Stefanos Tsitsipas to extend his all-time Australian Open record to 10 titles. Djokovic, who became a Grand Slam champion at Melbourne Park in 2008, has been absolutely dominant at the Australian Open over the last decade and a half.
That dominance has been even more evident in recent years as Djokovic hasn’t lost a match at Melbourne Park since his shock loss to Chung Hyeon in 2018. Since then, Djokovic has won the Australian Open titles in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023. In 2022, Djokovic didn’t compete at the Australian Open after being deported from the country.
“It’s hard to see anyone beating him in Melbourne. There is something here that works for his game and the fans are just crazy Novak Djokovic supporters here. You don’t really see that anywhere else in the world. I just feel he loves playing here,” Robson told Tennis365.
Robson not concerned about Djokovic’s wrist issue
Djokovic, ranked at No. 1 in the world, kicked off his 2024 season at the United Cup. During Serbia’s United Cup quarterfinal against Australia, Djokovic suffered a shock 4-6 4-6 defeat to Alex de Minaur.
During the match, Djokovic was evidently hampered by a wrist issue. Afterward, in his press conference, Djokovic didn’t want to be negative or anything like that, saying he should be fine for the Australian Open.
While some have concerns for Djokovic, Robson doesn’t as the former British tennis player pointed out that the Serb has a history of managing injuries well and winning tournaments in such situations.
Just at the Australian Open, Djokovic has had two extraordinary wins. After winning the 2021 Australian Open with an abdominal tear, Djokovic won the 2023 Australian Open while battling a hamstring tear. It remains to be seen if a wrist issue will cause Djokovic any problems during this year’s Australian Open.
