Big hitters to slug it out

World No.1 has total respect for Grand Slam veteran Tsonga

NOVAK Djokovic knows what to expect and will be on his guard against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s “big weapons” in their second-round clash.

The world No. 1 is no stranger to Tsonga’s game, taking a 16-6 head-to-head advantage into their Australian Open match today.

Djokovic defeated the Frenchman in the 2008 Australian Open final to win the first of his 14 grand slam titles.

Tsonga, 33, was granted a wildcard to the Australian Open after an injury-hit 2018. A former world No. 5, his ranking has slipped to 177.

But Djokovic remained wary of Tsonga’s game.

“It’s funny, I mean, 11 years after our first grand slam final here, it feels like a lot has hap- pened for both of us,’’ Djokovic said.

“He also struggled with injuries lately. It’s good to see him playing well. It’s good to see him back.

“He’s another great player, champion, someone that has been very successful in the past, established top-10 player, played grand slam final.

“Just very powerful, serve, forehand, big weapons. I know what to expect. I’ve played him many times. I lost to him, as well. In this court, as well, in Rod Laver I think back in 2010.

“I’m going to approach it as any other match, to be honest. Really optimistic, but also respectful, trying to do whatever I can to win it.’’

The No. 1 seed cruised through his opening round match at Melbourne Park, dispatching American qualifier Mitchell Krueger 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 to kickstart his bid for a sev- enth Australian Open crown. Tsonga started his Open campaign with a straight-sets win over Slovakia’s Martin Klizan.

Meanwhile, Djokovic, the chairman of the players ATP council, is adamant that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will be contacted during the Australian Open in relation to discussions around the changing structure of the men’s game.

“Rafa has always been involved, no question about it. Whether he was part of the political structure, council or not, he always tries to contribute to the game,” he said.

“I’ve talked with Roger in the last six months several times, in Laver Cup, US Open, Rafa as well at US Open. I’m trying to create time for these things. They are not part of the council, but they are extremely important, essential, players in this kind of big decision making.”