American tennis pro Danielle Collins has praised Novak Djokovic for his remarkable longevity and sustained excellence at the highest level, as the Serb enters this Australian Open on the cusp of history with a chance to stand alone atop the game by claiming a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic arrives in Melbourne at 38 years of age, already the owner of numerous records. His appearance at this year’s Australian Open marks his 81st Grand Slam main-draw appearance, drawing him level with Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez. He also has 99 career wins at Melbourne Park and could become the first player to record 100 or more match victories at three different Grand Slams, across all three surfaces.
Victory would also see Djokovic become the oldest Grand Slam champion in history at 38 years and eight months, surpassing Ken Rosewall, who won the Australian Open in 1972 at the age of 37 years and two months.
Speaking on a Tennis Channel pre-show ahead of the tournament, Collins lauded Djokovic’s achievements.
“That is ridiculous. You hear these numbers and you look at these stats and achievement that he has made and it is almost incomprehensible,” Collins was quoted saying.
“Especially for somebody like me. I think I have won 4 tournaments in my career, and it felt like like I had to do everything possible to get those wins, and I mean wow, what can you say (about Djokovic),” she concluded.
Seeded fourth at this year’s tournament, Djokovic finds himself in the bottom half of the draw alongside two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner. A possible quarterfinal meeting with fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti awaits, while a fourth-round clash against either Jakub Mensik or Hubert Hurkacz is also on the horizon.
Djokovic will open his campaign against Spain’s Pedro Martínez on Monday, January 19.
Djokovic Plays Down “Now or Never” Talk Ahead of Australian Open
Novak Djokovic has been tied with Australia’s Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles since his most recent major triumph at the 2023 US Open.
Given his outstanding record in Melbourne and the significant rest he has had, this Australian Open represents his best opportunity to secure a record-breaking 25th major title.
Djokovic, however, has dismissed suggestions that this year’s tournament is a “now or never” moment in his pursuit of a standalone all-time Grand Slam record.
“There has been a lot of talk about the 25th, but I try to focus myself on what I have achieved, not what I’m possibly achieving,” Djokovic, the fourth seed at Melbourne Park, said.
“I hope it comes to that [winning 25], but 24 is also not a bad number. I have to appreciate that and remind myself of the amazing career I had.”
The Serbian star reiterated that while records remain a motivation, he is already deeply satisfied with his career achievements.
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