“What can I say? I like the sound of it. It’s a nice feeling to be a centurion,” Djokovic said in an interview.
The 24-times Grand Slam legend produced some incredible athletic feats during the match, including leaping into the air and hitting a 176km/h forehand winner in the third set that sent the crowd into a frenzy – with Nine commentator John Millman declaring him ‘Air Novak’.
Wally Masur had a post-match interview with Djokovic on Monday night.Credit: Getty Images
Djokovic, who will be 39 in May, is extremely proud of his fitness and fitness, but he retired in the semi-finals against Alexander Zverev last year.
He later posted his hamstring scan on social media as proof of the severity of his injury after his retirement was greeted with boos from some fans.
Djokovic said in an exclusive interview ahead of the tournament that he still believes he can beat new tour setters Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz if he holds up physically.
“I have experience and belief in myself and I hope my body will hold,” he said.
“That, especially in the last few years, is my biggest challenge. If my body holds up and the game is there, I can compete with anybody.”
It is already the second Australian Open in a row that Djokovic has unknowingly become involved in a dispute with the announcer.
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Nines sports presenter Tony Jones chanted: “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak is what he is, Novak, kick him out” during a live telecast at the Melbourne Park venue last year, with Serbian fans in the background.
Jones later apologized after Djokovic called his comments “offensive and insulting”.
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