Jim Courier has not pointed out why he thinks Novak Djokovic might have a crucial advantage for the Australian Open final.
Facing Carlos Alcaraz, in what will be their 12th meeting, this promises to be the most important yet.
After all, time is running out for both of them to achieve the historic milestones they seek to accomplish on Sunday.
For Novak Djokovic, he finally has a golden opportunity to win his 25th major title. Meanwhile, Alcaraz is trying to become the youngest player to ever complete the career Grand Slam.
Courier did not pick who he thinks will win the match, but instead explained why the Serbian will fancy his chances after this latest boost.
Jim Courier on Novak Djokovic’s big advantage for the Australian Open final
Asked if the timing of Djokovic’s run will make a difference in his chances on Sunday, having played and beaten Sinner first before then facing Alcaraz, Courier agreed.
He explained: “I think so, because, look, there’s such consistency coming from Jannik Sinner, shotmaking with Alcaraz, you get different variation.”
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The American felt that this unpredictability could give the 38-year-old more of a chance, even in his physically drained state.
Analysing both the semi-final that has just been and the final to come, Courier added: “I mean, this match with these guys, with Novak and Jannik, was just two sluggers, just pounding each other and putting each other on the ropes all the time. With Alcaraz, you will get some breathers. There will be things that you won’t expect for sure.
“But I think that last year, certainly Novak proved that even with his defence not at full force because he was injured, if you remember, last year in that match against Alcaraz, he was able to outsmart him and outplay him physically with his forehand, but really use his mind to beat him, and that’s gonna be another thing for him to lean on.
“I’m not saying that he’s the favourite necessarily, but I think it’s a lot more even than a lot of people might think because, you know, the age difference is real, he will have a hard time recovering. But so will Carlos, and will Carlos be mentally fresh after everything he went through?
“Novak, I mean, he said it last night in the court. He feels like he’s already won this major.
This is house money for him.”
Novak Djokovic has proven he can beat Carlos Alcaraz on the biggest stages
Another key reason why Djokovic will believe he can win on Sunday is his history of competing with Alcaraz on the biggest stages.
And, crucially, beating him there.
Tomorrow will mark their sixth meeting at a Grand Slam, with the 38-year-old having previously won twice at this stage. Crucially, his latest triumph over the six-time major champion came at the Australian Open last year too.
However, perhaps most memorable was Djokovic’s win in the Olympics final.
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With everything on the line, in what many claimed would be his last proper chance to claim the only title in tennis that eluded him, he rose to topple a ridiculously in-form Alcaraz on the clay of Philippe Chatrier.
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