Djokovic 'likes his chances' of 10th Australian Open crown

Novak Djokovic declared on Saturday that he "likes his chances" of winning a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown, despite lingering injury worries.

After missing last year's tournament when he was deported over his Covid vaccination stance, the Serbian star is back at Melbourne Park and in sizzling form.

He ended the 2022 season by winning the ATP Finals and began the new year with his 92nd career title at the Adelaide International.

He tweaked a hamstring in Adelaide and is still getting treatment, but insisted he was ready for another two-week campaign to potentially win a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam.

"I've been struggling with that a bit, to be honest, the last seven days," he said of the injury.

"But it's hopefully not a major concern. So far I've been able to train, compete and play points, practice sets. So that's a positive sign.

"Obviously I'm being a bit more cautious. I'm not going full out on the training sessions, conserving the energy for next week. Hopefully it won't cause an issue for me then."

Seeded four, the 35-year-old faces Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena in round one and said that despite the injury niggle "I like my chances".

"I always like my chances. I train as hard as really anybody out there," he added.

"There's a lot of youngsters now that are very hungry, that want to win. They want to take a scalp off you on the big stadium. I know that.

"But experience of being in these kind of particular circumstances helps I think to have the right approach and do things in a proper way.

"Because I know when I'm healthy and playing my best, on this court (Rod Laver Arena) I have chances really against anybody."

Warm reception

Djokovic was deported from Australia on the eve of the 2022 Grand Slam after