ATP: Djokovic returns to No. 1 spot after 2023 Australian Open win 5q4050

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Novak Djokovic started the year 2023 by reclaiming the No. 1 ATP ranking. He returned to the top spot for the first time since June 2022 after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the 2023 Australian Open final at Rod Laver Arena.

In that match, he only dropped one set to secure his 10th title of the tournament. His 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) victory denied Tsitsipas any chance of winning his first Australian Open title. With this title, his 93rd throughout his professional career, Djokovic equaled fellow legend Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam.

With his return as the world’s best player from No. 5, the Serbian recorded the biggest jump for the men’s singles category in the history of the ATP Rankings since 1973. Djokovic claimed the top position by suring the 19-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev.

According to Djokovic’s official website, the 35-year-old is scheduled to participate in the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships from February 27 to March 4. However, a source said that Djokovic could miss the ATP 500, as he was struggling with a hamstring injury during the Australian Open.

Djokovic at his limit 6p3035

Boris Becker, Djokovic’s former coach, shared his thoughts on the Serbian’s future after being crowned the 2023 Australian Open champion, especially regarding his chances at the French Open and Wimbledon this year.

Becker, who won six Grand Slam titles when he was a player, told Eurosport that Djokovic would have a “completely different act and a burden” heading into these two majors.

“Novak is 35 years old, and he knows at 40 he won’t manage this performance. I think it will be a hell of a ride after the Australian Open. It will be a completely different activities and a completely different burden in Paris and Wimbledon,” Becker said.

That said, the 55-year-old Becker noted that the reigning Wimbledon champion has fulfilled his dream and has already become the “most successful player in history.”

“Success is his life’s dream; he wants to become the most successful player in history. Even as a child, he said: ‘I’m going to be the best’ – and he was right. And now he is at the limit,” Becker said.