Novak Djokovic will make his return to action on Australian soil in Adelaide.
Draw has been made for the Adelaide International 1, one of three events that will be played in Week 1 of the 2023 season.
In the singles competition, the top-seeded Serbian star will open his campaign against Constant Lestienne (FRA, ATP #65). It will be their first career meeting.
Nole’s possible rivals in the later stages of the tournament are:
Second round: Quentin Halys (FRA), Jordan Thompson (AUS)
Quarter-finals: Denis Shapovalov (CAN, 7)
Semi-finals: Daniil Medvedev (RUS, 3), Karen Khachanov (RUS, 8)
Finals: Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN, 2), Andrey Rublev (RUS, 4), Holger Rune (DEN, 5)
“The field is super strong. You have Medvedev, Felix, Rublev. You have really, really top guys,” Djokovic said. “Also in the opening rounds, you can play Thanasi Kokkinakis, who is the title defender, right? That could be fun actually. Playing Thanasi in front of his home fans could be fun. I know what I need to do in order to be one of the contenders for the title here and in Melbourne. The good memories and good history that I have on Australian soil gives me a lot of positive emotions and belief that I can do it again, that I can go far.”
“The goal is to peak in Melbourne. That’s where I want to play my best. I guess at this stage of my career, with all the achievements, every big tournament win is a possibility to make more history. Of course, that’s very humbling for me. It’s also a big challenge, but it’s a huge motivation,” Novak added. “I don’t lack inspiration and motivation to play my best”.
Sixteen years ago, in 2007, Novak lifted his third career ATP trophy in Adelaide, when he beat Australian Chris Guccione 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-4 in the final.
Djokovic has also signed up for the doubles competition. He teamed up with Vasek Pospisil of Canada. They lost to Tomislav Brkic (BIH) and Gonzalo Escobar (Ecuador) 6-4, 3-6, 5-10 in the first round.
You can download Nole 2023 January desktop calendar here.
