Exclusive: Novak Djokovic will have 'big emotional baggage' at 2023 Australian Open says Patrick Mouratoglou

Published 03/01/2023 at 12:06 GMT

Novak Djokovic will be making his return to the Australian Open this month. The former world No. 1 did not play at the Grand Slam in 2022 after he was deported from the country due to being unvaccinated against Covid-19. Serena Williams' former coach Patrick Mouratoglou has given his views on how Djokovic will handle the atmosphere and situation in Melbourne.

Highlights: Djokovic gets warm welcome from fans as he loses first match since return to Australia

Patrick Mouratoglou believes Novak Djokovic will be carrying a “big emotional baggage” on his return to the Australian Open.

Djokovic is set to the play the Grand Slam after missing out in 2022. He was allowed into the country on a medical exemption, despite being unvaccinated against Covid-19, but was then deported and had his visa revoked ahead of the tournament.

The 21-time Grand Slam champion has been granted permission to play in Melbourne but it is unclear what reception he will get.

Roland-Garros

'Olympics way more important' - Djokovic should target Paris Games says Wilander

00:01:57

05/06/2024 at 12:14

Many Melburnians expressed frustration that Djokovic was allowed into the country last year following strict lockdowns in Australia, but so far he has received very warm ovations from the fans at the Adelaide International warm-up tournament where he has won a singles match and lost in the doubles.

"It's going to be tough for Novak in Australia, that's for sure,” Serena Williams’ former coach Mouratoglou told Eurosport's Arnold Montgault.

“He going to carry a big emotional baggage. He's been through so much, emotionally speaking. Nobody is immune.

“It’s going to be hard. I hope he doesn't fall apart like he did at the US Open 2021 because there was too much. But it comes after probably a period where he has had a lot of rest.

“It's the pre-season, it's the off-season and there's no stress of competition. So he's going to be emotionally rested, which is good. And then he won't start directly with the Australian Open, so he'll have time to get used to the atmosphere there.”

Djokovic has said that he had "challenging months" as he tried to deal with the fallout of what happened in Australia.

The former world No. 1 is starting his 2023 season at the Adelaide International and he will then play the Australian Open where he is a nine-time champion. If he wins again in Melbourne, he will equal Rafael Nadal for the most men’s Grand Slam singles titles in history with 22.

Mouratoglou hopes Djokovic is shown “respect” on his return to Melbourne Park.

“I hope the Australians give him a nice welcome because in my opinion, everything that's been said about him is so undeserved," he said. "I would like them to have respect for the champions.

“When you go into a tennis stadium and you see Djokovic playing, the least you can do is to respect these great champions, whether you like them or not, whether you agree with them or not. I think that's the minimum.”

The Australian Open starts on January 16.

- - -

Stream the 2023 Australian Open live on discovery+ and eurosport.co.uk

Roland-Garros