Novak Djokovic, the reigning Olympic champion, enters the 2024 tennis season with renewed energy and ambition. The Serbian tennis star recently clinched the men's singles gold medal at the Paris Olympics, marking a significant achievement in his illustrious career. However, the past year presented challenges, as he failed to secure a grand slam title for only the second time since 2010. Currently tied with Margaret Court at 24 grand slam titles, Djokovic aims to break the record for the most titles in history.
Djokovic has begun the new season on a positive note, winning the Brisbane International doubles tournament alongside Australian Nick Kyrgios. This victory sets an encouraging stage as he prepares to launch his singles campaign against Australian Rinky Hijikata on Tuesday. The Serbian superstar has also embraced a new coaching dynamic, appointing former rival Andy Murray as his coach for a temporary period until the end of the Australian Open. The two will evaluate their partnership following the tournament.
The collaboration between Djokovic and Murray is intriguing, given their long-standing rivalry on the ATP circuit. Having competed against each other 36 times, Djokovic has emerged victorious in 25 of those encounters. He acknowledges Murray's unique perspective on his game, stating, “He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the greatest rivals that I’ve had. He knows the pros and cons of my game.” This insight is expected to bring a fresh look to Djokovic's approach as he aims for his 100th ATP singles title, a milestone that would place him among only three men in the Open Era to achieve such a feat.
Reflecting on their initial days together, Djokovic noted, “In a way, it was strange for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the court.” He added that the time spent with Murray was highly productive: “But the 10 days that we spent together were terrific. I enjoyed every bit of it. He’s very meticulous, he’s very dedicated, so professional.”
Despite last year's ups and downs, Djokovic is optimistic about the future. He expressed a desire for a strong start this season, saying, “Overall, I’ve had more losses and ups and downs in this season than previous seasons, so I’m looking for a good start of the season.” With plans to compete in more tournaments than last year, he is focused on regaining momentum.
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