Looking back on all his success at this particular event, the 37-year-old detailed just how important this particular competition has been to him, even before he became the force of nature that he is today.

Novak Djokovic recalls his Australian Open success

Looking back on a magical career with La Nacion, he could not reminisce without first appreciating his particular success in Melbourne.

After all, with ten titles to his name, Novak Djokovic is the most successful player in the competition’s history.

Reliving those many triumphs, he recalled: ‘Yes. My dream as a boy was to win Wimbledon and be number 1. And I achieved those dreams in 2011, at Wimbledon. 

‘But the first Grand Slam I won was in 2008, in Australia. I remember it very well. I beat Tsonga in the final. My family was with me.

‘It was an incredible feeling! After winning it was the first time I said to myself: “Now I can win Grand Slams and exploit my potential.” The pressure is always increasing, but inside I deeply believed that one day I was going to become number 1, win Grand Slams, but in reality that takes time.

‘For some, like (Carlos) Alcaraz, it seems that it has not been that long. But for most boys, it takes time, you have to earn it, you have to work to get it, and for many extraordinary players that never happens. That dream of winning a Grand Slam became a reality in Australia, which is a very special place for me, for tennis and also for other things.

‘Perhaps what explains why I won so much in Australia [titles] is that I won my first Grand Slam there, and that feeling of joy I felt always accompanied me. He opened the door for me (gesture opening his arms) and I felt: “I’m capable of doing it. Now let’s move forward”’.

Could Novak Djokovic wrestle back his Australian Open title in 2025?

Having taken a bit of time out since the US Open, Djokovic has returned fit and fresh, ready to tackle the Asian leg of the tour.

It is this newfound freedom, earned after his Olympic gold medal, which could allow him to show up at every Grand Slam title now far fresher than his opponents.

In terms of the Australian Open, the first major of the new season, he will have a tough task taking that title back from Jannik Sinner.

Although, Andy Roddick has predicted how long Sinner might get banned for following WADA’s re-opening of his drugs test, and that could have a huge impact too.

Especially given the Italian has beaten Djokovic three times on the run now, and that’s without even mentioning their clash at the Six Kings Slam last week too.

It only ever really feels like Carlos Alcaraz can trouble the world number one, and whilst the Serbian took him to a deciding third set in Riyadh, it never really felt in doubt.

Djokovic is ahead of so many competitors in the field, but it seems like age has finally seen him lose that edge which has allowed Alcaraz and Sinner to take a step ahead of him.

If he is to regain his title in Melbourne, it will take an almighty task.

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