Djokovic, 35, is returning to Melbourne Park after missing the 2022 edition owing to his medical exemption controversy over the COVID-19 vaccination. The Serb will hope to move level atop the Grand Slam title leaderboard by winning a record-extending tenth Australian Open title.
Nadal, meanwhile, is the defending champion, having won his second title at the tournament last year. A successful title defense will see the Spaniard go two clear of Djokovic on the all-time list ahead of the next Grand Slam at Roland Garros, where Nadal is a 14-time winner.
With Novak Djokovic losing to Nadal in the Roland Garros quarterfinals last year, Wilander told Euro Sports that going all the way in Melbourne would be the Serb’s perfect response.
Explaining the significance of Djokovic’s tenth Australian Open title, Wilander said that it would be right up there with Nadal’s 14 Roland Garros triumphs. The former player said the achievement would be hugely impressive, as most players thrive on hardcourts as opposed to the red dirt.
Djokovic holds an impressive 82-8 record at the Australian Open.
Novak is the number one favourite for many reasons says Mats Wilander on Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open 2023 chances
Novak Djokovic has an enviable record at the Australian Open, last enduring defeat at the tournament against Hyeon Chung in the fourth round in 2018.
Considering the same, Wilander reckons that the Serb is a runaway favorite for the title, as the surface suits his game.
The three-time Australian Open winner added that Djokovic’s game style makes him a perennial contender at Melbourne Park:
Novak Djokovic beat Daniil Medvedev in the 2021 final to win his ninth Australian Open title.
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