DJOKO TAGGED AUSSIE OPEN FAVORITE

MELBOURNE— Novak Djokovic returns to next week’s Australian Open as the heavy favorite, with his ominous form in stark contrast to the struggles being shown by defending champion Rafael Nadal.

A year ago, Djokovic was consumed by a legal battle over his COVID vaccination stance, which he ultimately lost and was deported on the eve of the Grand Slam.

It opened the door for his great rival, Nadal, on the Melbourne Park hardcourts, with the Spaniard’s thrilling five-set win over Daniil Medvedev going down as his record 21st major crown.

The 36-year-old Nadal made it 22 when he clinched the French Open.

Serbia’s Djokovic, who is a year younger, can draw level on 22 Grand Slam triumphs if he becomes the Australian champion for a record-extending 10th time.

He brought a practice match against Medvedev to an early conclusion on Wednesday to protect a hamstring niggle, but prior to that called his preparations spot-on.

“I couldn’t ask for a better preparation and lead-up to the Australian Open,” said Djokovic. “I love playing in Australia. My results are a testament to that.”

Djokovic’s recent exploits, coupled with Nadal’s iffy form, the absence of injured world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and last year’s retirement of Roger Federer, undoubtedly make him the man to beat.

After ending a turbulent 2022 by winning the Association of Tennis Professionals Finals, he came through five tough matches to lift the Adelaide International trophy on Sunday.

His fears of a hostile reception in Australia after the deportation saga were alleviated by a warm welcome in Adelaide.

Nadal, meanwhile, has been written off before but is facing fresh questions about whether age and injury are catching up with him.

The top seed faces a tricky opening to the defense of his title against promising 21-yearold Briton Jack Draper.

Nadal has lost six of his past seven matches, including both at the recent United Cup, going down to Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur.