Novak Djokovic plays Ivan Dodig in the final match on the Hisense Arena on day three of the Australian Open.
Djokovic has been in exceptional form so far this year. He was untouchable at the Hopman Cup and he rolled past Marcel Granollers 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 on Monday. After a couple of disappointing Aussie Opens since his premier slam success here three years ago, maybe this is the year Djokovic will once again mount a serious challenge for the title.
Djokovic is still riding the wave of confidence gained from winning the Davis Cup on home soil last month and he admitted it is translating into his game.
“I was a big confidence boost for me,” he confirmed. “You know, any tournament you win, it's a great achievement because the competitiveness these days is incredible comparing to 20 years ago. The tennis has changed. It's physical. You got to work very, very hard in order to be one of the best players in the world.”
“I have these experiences that I'm trying to use in the big events. I know how it is to play on the big stage. I just keep going towards my goal. I'm motivated. As long as it's like that, I will keep on playing on the high level.”
Dodig has spent most of his career on the challenger circuit, finishing in the top 100 for the first time last year. He did extremely well to oust Ivo Karlovic in five sets on Monday, the first Grand Slam win over his career but this will be a step too far.
Djokovic won 6-1, 6-4 when they met in Marseille three years ago and it should be another routine win for the third seed.
