Novak Djokovic: Mats Wilander questions if former world No. 1 is ‘too prepared physically’ for Australian Open

Mats Wilander believes Novak Djokovic is “playing his best tennis in years” – but has questioned whether his physical preparation for the Australian Open has been ideal.

Djokovic, 35, has only lost one match since returning to the tour in September and has looked in fantastic form.

Eurosport expert and seven-time Grand Slam champion Wilander thinks Djokovic is the “huge favourite”, but there are minor question marks.

“I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t win, on the other hand, he said himself if he is healthy and able to play, but he skipped a practice session today,” Wilander said on Eurosport.

“He’s 35 years old, he was stretching his left leg in Adelaide in both the semis and the final, I can’t believe he played and won there, but that’s Novak Djokovic, so why doesn’t he win? Because physically, he might be too prepared.

“He wasn’t allowed to play the US Open, and then he played in Tel Aviv, Kazakhstan, made the finals in Paris, won the ATP Finals, played in Adelaide. Compared to Rafa [Nadal], Novak comes in playing his absolute best tennis, maybe in years, or at least as good as it’s ever been. That’s not always the best place to be when you start a Slam.

“You want to start off slowly and grow every round. Now that could be the reason why he doesn’t win, but he’s the big favourite.”

Djokovic returns to Melbourne a year after being deported from Australia following a controversial 10-day stay.

Djokovic was allowed into the country on a medical exemption as he is unvaccinated but then had his visa revoked and couldn’t play the Australian Open.

He will be bidding for a 10th title this month and former British No. 1 Tim Henman thinks he will be hungry for success.

“He said he’s on a professional mission, he’s on a personal mission, and after what happened last year, I just think he’s got a point to prove in that area.

“But then when you talk about the most Grand Slam titles in tennis, both male or female, I think he wants that record, those records mean so much to him and I believe that’s what he wants to do and I believe that’s what he will do.”

Asked how concerned he is by Djokovic’s injury status, Henman said: “Sometimes you get little injuries along the way, but coming into a Slam, a two-week event, talking about the best of five-set matches, I hope we’re not talking about more injuries.”

Australian hopes Nick Kyrgios and Ajla Tomljanovic have pulled out of the Grand Slam due to injury, as has Paula Badosa.

Djokovic’s last defeat in Melbourne came in 2018.

He plays Roberto Carballes Baena in his first match on Tuesday.

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