All posts tagged: eagerly

Novak Djokovic Set For Eagerly Anticipated Australian Open Return

Novak Djokovic makes his eagerly anticipated return to the Australian Open on Tuesday and women’s world number two Ons Jabeur will also launch her title bid. Serbia’s Djokovic, one of the finest men’s tennis players of all time, was deported on the eve of last year’s Grand Slam at Melbourne Park because of his stance on Covid vaccines. But the 35-year-old will be back when he faces Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in his opener and looks likely to be given a warm reception by the Rod Laver Arena crowd. He is bidding to win the Australian Open for a record-extending 10th time and in doing so tie defending champion Rafael Nadal’s men’s all-time record of 22 Grand Slam crowns. Djokovic is hot favourite for the first Grand Slam of the year, but after winning an Adelaide warm-up tournament last week, he has been bothered by a slight hamstring injury. He was pictured practising on Monday with heavy strapping around his left thigh. “I always like my chances. I train as hard as really anybody …