Despite feeling unwell on the eve of the tournament, Novak Djokovic insisted he felt ready to begin his bid for a fifth Australian Open title. The world number one did not arrive at Melbourne Park to practise until Sunday after suffering a “little bit with the flu and stomach”. Djokovic, 27, has another day of rest before facing Slovenia’s Aljaz Bedene in round one on Tuesday.
He added: “I had a tough couple days but it’s all behind me now. I’m ready.”
Bedene, who came through qualifying, is based in the UK and in the process of applying for a British passport, which he hopes could open the door to the Davis Cup team. Djokovic was courted by the LTA in his younger days, and the Serb said: “I wish him all the best. If he thinks it’s the proper way for him to continue his tennis career, I support him.”
Third seed Rafael Nadal has played down his chances of winning a second Australian Open title as he makes his way back from injury. The Spaniard, 28, has played just eight matches since Wimbledon following a wrist injury and appendicitis.
“I don’t consider myself one of the favourites here,” said Nadal, runner-up in Melbourne 12 months ago.
“Last year, yes. This year is a different story. I would be lying if I say I feel that I am ready to win.”
Nadal lost his only tour match of the season so far against Germany’s Michael Berrer at the Qatar Open on 6 January, and faces a tricky first-round contest in Melbourne against experienced Russian Mikhail Youzhny on Monday. The 2009 champion almost added a second Australian title last year, only to succumb to a back injury during the final against Stan Wawrinka which he lost 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3.
“I cannot say it is completely recovered because that can happen when you compete, when you put your back under stress,” Nadal said.
“It can come back, no? It Is something that I’m not 100% confident in yet.
“If you talk about my knees, I say, ‘OK, it can happen, but I am confident about my knees because they are working very well’.
“But my back, I don’t have enough time having good feelings to say I am 100% perfect. I need to take care about this for the moment. But hopefully it will be fine.”
Novak Djokovic - All set for the Australian Open
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