Novak Djokovic returns to the scene of his greatest triumphs this week at the Australian Open, adamant he is ready and able to see off the challenge from Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam crown.

Djokovic, like Court, won his first Slam at the Australian Open and he can end the debate definitively on his 22nd visit to Melbourne as a professional. Aside from the reliable band of supporters from the local Serbian community, the veteran has rarely been the most popular player at Melbourne Park but he has always been among the best.

Novak Djokovic says he still feels a bit of trauma when he travels to Australia. He says that stems from his deportation from the country in 2022 because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19.