Back in 2009, when Djokovic first defended an Australian Open title, he faced Andy Roddick in the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park. It was indeed hot, 37 Celsius with the court blistering underfoot.
"Isn't it both of them? And a back and a hip? And a cramp, bird flu, anthrax, SARS, a common cough and cold," Roddick said. Djokovic was furious.Novak Djokovic during his ill-fated quarter-final against Andy Roddick at the 2009 Australian Open. Once fragile, now near invincible. He's won eight of the past 11 Australian Opens. He is a man reinvented, in truth if not always public perception.
"I mean, look, everyone is entitled for their own opinion, and everybody has the freedom and the right to say what they want, criticise others. I just felt like it was a bit unfair at times. But hey, it's not the first nor the last time. "I mean, he gave up against me in Monaco last year because of sore throat, yes. Those are kind of things you wonder about."
Djokovic, barring career-ending mishap, will surely surpass Federer's tally. That leaves Nadal, also on 20 but hot favourite to add a 21st at the French Open in May-June. Both men should, by logic, be waning by now but that's simply not the case. Both, though, are more consciously targeting Grand Slams, tailoring their calendars specifically rather than worrying about the ATP Tour's weekly cut and thrust.
Novak Djokovic wipes the sweat from his face, revealing taping on his abdomen, at the Australian Open. "He needed because, you know, when you play, New York disappointment, French, really bad final, he needed this to just keep going in his mind. He is a champion. He always find was the way how to perform the best.
"They producing better and better tennis. Every time when you think they gone, the young guns are coming, they are here but these guys are better, one step better in the finals.