'He's written the code': The 'obsession' driving Djokovic towards unthinkable
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MELBOURNE: Even at the ripe old age of 37, with a hungry and gifted new generation coming through, Novak Djokovic has a "great shot" at adding to his incredible Australian Open record this year.
That's the opinion of Mark Petchey, a former professional player who also coached Andy Murray before becoming a respected analyst.
Djokovic is working with Murray as his coach in Australia in a bid to become the first player in history with 25 grand slam singles titles.
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia tears his shirt off after defeating Carlos Alcaraz of Spain. Getty
Djokovic didn't win a grand slam tournament last year - 'settling' instead for an Olympic gold medal - but Petchey believes that will change in 2025.
"Last year for Novak would have been 99 per cent of players' career best year, so he's got a pretty high bar," Petchey said on Stan Sport's Grand Slam Daily preview show.
"I do think he wins one (in 2025), I do. Obsession is their greatest strength, these (elite) guys, and somehow they figure out a way to do something that we all think that they can't."
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Djokovic is the bookmakers' third favourite to win in Melbourne behind defending champion Jannik Sinner and fellow young gun Carlos Alcaraz.
The Serbian superstar is seeded seventh and will open his campaign against American Nishesh Basavareddy on Monday.
"I think he's got a great shot here. I do," Petchey said.
"He's won 10 (Australian Opens), he's written the code on how to be successful in Melbourne. It's his home turf in many ways, so he's got a great shot."
For all that, Sinner is favourite for a reason.
The Italian world No.1 has maintained his rock solid form despite the continued doping drama and there doesn't seem to be any reason why he won't be able to maintain that freakish mental strength.
Jannik Sinner is flanked by physio Giacomo Naldi (left) and fitness coach Umberto Ferrara (right). Getty
"It's absolutely phenomenal what he's been able to achieve," Petchey said.
"Obviously the news of the failed drug test coming out in Cincinnati last year, ends up winning the US Open, ends up being red hot at the end of the season.
"He's been able to push it to one side, then the appeal comes out. I don't think men's tennis could ask for anyone better to be leading it right now than Jannik Sinner, in terms of the way that he's been able to handle all the adversity that he has, plus being thrust into a huge spotlight."
Sinner - who now has two grand slam titles to his name - is a national hero in Italy.
"Let's not forget that back home - Turin, the ATP Tour finals, when he was playing, he was out-rating the Serie A football matches (on television). Those things are like religion over there, and he was out out-rating them," Petchey said.
"It was phenomenal. When he played, five million (viewers) compared to like one million were watching Sinner. He is an absolute superstar and credit to him for handling everything. He seems to handle everything with consummate ease. If I was allowed to bet, that's where my money would go."
