Melbourne has been Djokovic’s second dwelling and he’s hardly ever defeated Down Below. Alcaraz is aiming to ruffle the world No 1’s feathers to assert his third Grand Slam title. However Djokovic believes his greatest risk is quite a bit nearer to dwelling.
“Myself all the time first, after which after all all the opposite greatest gamers on the planet,” he mentioned when requested who his greatest risk was.
“Any participant is right here with, I am certain, intention to realize the dream of profitable a Grand Slam. Some gamers are clearly extra anticipated to go additional than some others.”
Djokovic is on a troublesome run of type by his personal normal having misplaced to Alex De Minaur on the United Cup. He was additionally overwhelmed by Alcaraz in an exhibition match over the festive interval.
“I am simply hoping I can begin the season in a approach that I’ve been beginning my seasons, most of my seasons … with a win right here in Australia, in Melbourne,” Djokovic added.
“My favorite place, little question; the courtroom the place I’ve performed nice issues and achieved my best Grand Slam outcomes. That was the most effective tennis ranges that I’ve performed, right here in Australia final 12 months.”
Alcaraz is within the reverse aspect of the Australian Open draw to Djokovic which means the pair can solely assembly within the ultimate. And the younger Spaniard is gunning to get one over his skilled rival.
“Yeah, it’s an additional motivation for me,” Alcaraz mentioned. “I’m an bold man. I all the time wish to play towards the perfect gamers on the planet to see what’s my degree.
“Clearly it’s an excellent check, taking part in towards him within the locations or within the event that he’s virtually unbeaten.
“I’m seeking to attain the ultimate and hopefully play a ultimate towards him. It will be nice clearly. However, yeah, figuring out these stats, it’s an additional motivation, for certain.”