By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Novak Djokovic is back in his happy place to ignite his historic chase.
Eleven months after he was booted from the nation, Novak Djokovic bounced back in Australia.
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The former world No. 1 wore a wide smile hitting the practice court in Adelaide today.
The 35-year-old Serbian superstar was deported from Australia last January over his unvaccinated status.
Now, the nine-time Australian Open champion is back on the soil he's dominated pursuing some major goals.
Djokovic is planning to play next week's Adelaide International 1 in preparation for a shot at a record-extending 10th Australian Open championship. The Australian Open begins January 16th, 2023.
If Djokovic, who rides a 21-match Melbourne Park winning streak, reclaims the title for his 22nd major championship he will equal rival Rafael Nadal's all-time men's Grand Slam mark.
At this stage in his career, the six-time ATP Finals champion says he's driven by four primary goals.
Djokovic wants to win Grand Slams, defend his ATP Finals crown, collect more Masters 1000 championships and represent Serbia in team competition.
"When it comes to goals and ambitions there are always the highest for me—especially at this stage of my career," Djokovic said in an interview with his shoe sponsor, Asics, earlier this month. "I have to be less humble and modest when I talk about goals. Because I feel throughout my career I was very fortunate to achieve many, many things and win the biggest trophies in this sport.
"So I feel still winning Torino and still winning the biggest tournaments in the world and playing against the best players in the world at a high level. I still allow myself to dream big.
"Basically, any tournament that I play, I want to win. It's not a secret. The biggest goals are the Grand Slams and Masters event obviously the end of the year and Masters 1000 events wherever I get to play and I love playing for my country. Playing Davis Cup or ATP Cup is no longer there. But playing for my country also awakens the most beautiful emotions in me. I still keep going. Probably the biggest goal that I have for next year and the years to come, I don't know how many I still will be playing but is to stay healthy and be able to perform at the highest level."
Photo credit: Getty/Tennis Australia