Somdev Devvarman: ‘Djoko is the man to beat’

Novak Djokovic during a practice session in Melbourne yesterday. Pic/AFP

This time last year, the Australian Open had made headlines for all the wrong reasons given the clash between Novak Djokovic and the Australian government over his unvaccinated status. This year, the talk is mainly around tennis, but all eyes are still on the 35-year-old Serbian, who is looking for his 10th title in Melbourne and 22nd Grand Slam.

Djoko has most success in Oz

Former India tennis player Somdev Devvarman was straightforward to pick his favourite in the men's singles event. "He [Djokovic] is the man to beat. He is the player with the most success in Australia.

Somdev Devvarman

There are reports about him being injured, but in terms of injury struggle, he's in a much better place than Rafa [Nadal], his main rival,'' Somdev, who is among the panellists for Sony Sports Network's coverage of the Australian Open, said during a virtual media interaction. AFP reported on Wednesday that Djokovic cut short a practice match against Daniil Medvedev due to a left hamstring issue, five days before the start of the Australian Open.

Injury worry for the Serb?

He required treatment and the session at Melbourne Park, which was supposed to last 75 minutes, was curtailed after just over half-an-hour as a precaution, reported the ABC and 9News Melbourne. "It's the hamstring that I had problems with in Adelaide last week. I just felt it pulling and I didn't want to risk anything worse. I played a set and apologised to him [Medvedev] and he was understanding," Djokovic said, according to 9News.

Also Read: Felt like playing at home: Novak Djokovic

‘Swiatek serves great'

Among the women, Devvarmann picked Poland's Iga Swiatek to rule the roost. "The women's draw is always a tough one, but the favourite this time is Swiatek. She's No.1 in the world, won two Slams last year [French and US Open] and made it to the semis in Australia. She serves great, defends well and attacks both sides," Somdev said.