"Just remarkable" - Paul McNamee joins Darren Cahill in commending Novak Djokovic's professionalism after Australian Open heroics
Former tennis player Paul McNamee has showered praise on Novak Djokovic for his professional approach in dealing with setbacks prior to and during the recently concluded Australian Open.
Renowned tennis coach Darren Cahill had earlier complimented Djokovic for his expertise on and off the court. He opined that the 22-time Grand Slam champion's professionalism is "second to none," marveling at his self-discipline and hard work.
"He finds a way to get through every crack and every crevice to break down the opponent's game and find weaknesses. And his movement and his professionalism is second to none. I've never seen anybody look after their body and be more professional than Novak, with the lengths he goes to get his body into the place it is," said Cahill on the Big Deal - Australian Sports Business Podcast.
McNamee agreed with the assessment, pointing to how the Serb had only dropped a single set throughout his campaign in Melbourne despite being severely hampered by his abdominal injury.
"So true what Darren Cahill says about the professionalism of Djokovic … consider that he was not able to hit a single ball on the practice court at the AO due to injury… and only drop 1 set? Just remarkable," wrote the former doubles No. 1 in his tweet.
So true what @darren_cahill says about the professionalism of Djokovic … consider that he was not able to hit a single ball on the practice court at the AO due to injury… and only drop 1 set? Just remarkable
Djokovic was skeptical about how the people Down Under would receive him on his return to Melbourne after whatever controversies unfolded last year surrounding him. However, as soon as he commenced his campaign at the Australian Open, he seemed completely focused on his matches and abandoned any needless thoughts.
He also endured a hamstring injury throughout the fortnight, which prevented him from practicing during his off days as well. Despite such major difficulties, the 35-year-old was keen to secure his 10th Grand Slam title in Melbourne, which he eventually did with a straight-sets win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.
Novak Djokovic feels 2023 Australian Open win is "the biggest victory" of his life "considering the circumstances"
Novak Djokovic himself believed that the title win at the 2023 Australian Open was the "biggest victory" of his career, as he emphasized the difficult circumstances under which he played the tournament.
During his victory speech after lifting the trophy at the Rod Laver Arena, the 10-time Australian Open champion expressed that this year's Melbourne Grand Slam was "one of the most challenging" tournaments of his entire career, making his victory all the more sweeter.
"This has been one of the most challenging tournaments in my life, considering what happened last year. There is a reason why I’ve played my best tennis in Australia. I try to pinch myself and live through these moments. This is probably the biggest victory of my life, considering the circumstances," he stated.