Novak Djokovic has arrived in Melbourne for the Australian Open, where he is aiming to make Grand Slam history.
Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles during his career, a figure that is level with Margaret Court at the top of the all-time list.
It is, however, more than any other man, as are the 10 titles that the Serbian legend has won at the Australian Open.
But he’s already suffered a major setback in Melbourne despite only just arriving, with the Australian Open starting in four days.
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Novak Djokovic suffers injury scare in Australian Open practice
Djokovic played a practice set against his ATP rival Daniil Medvedev on Wednesday morning, which he lost 7-5.
Later that day, however, he was forced to end another practice session after just 12 minutes because of injury.
The 38-year-old required physio treatment on his neck, having barely been able to practice serving on the court.
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Nick Kyrgios explains what Novak Djokovic means to tennis
It’s certainly far from ideal for Djokovic, who is the fourth seed at the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of 2026.
Ahead of the event, the Serbian has received high praise from another ATP rival, with Nick Kyrgios explaining what the legendary figure means to tennis.
After playing at the Kooyong Classic exhibition event, Kyrgios told SBS Sport: “We do get along very well now.
“I think when he’s around me, he just feels like he’s a bit of a kid again. I know there’s a big kid inside Novak.
“And I think he just has so much pressure wherever he goes. And we always talk like, is he going to retire, is he going to do this?
“I’m like, can we just let the guy play, regardless if he loses first round or wins a Slam, like what more does he have to do?
“As long as he hangs around, it’s only good for the sport. Every time he plays, the stadiums are full, and I think that’s the most important thing.”
Kyrgios and Djokovic have gone from rivals to friends over the years, with the former certain to be hoping for a speedy recovery for the latter.
Many fans will be desperate to see Djokovic play at the Australian Open once more, particularly given that he is very likely nearing retirement.
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