The 38-year-old tennis great is bidding for a record-extending 11th Australian Open crown and a historic 25th Grand Slam title, a feat that would see him move clear of Australia\u2019s Margaret Court. Djokovic, however, faces a stiff challenge from world number one Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have dominated the major championships in recent times.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Djokovic, currently ranked fourth in the world, reached the semifinals at all four Grand Slam tournaments last year and said his belief in his game remains intact despite acknowledging the rise of the younger generation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"When I\u2019m healthy and able to put all the pieces together on a given day, I still feel I can beat anybody,\u201d Djokovic said on the eve of the tournament. \u201cIf I didn\u2019t believe that, I wouldn\u2019t be here competing. I still have the drive.\" Djokovic said ahead of the Australian Open.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While conceding that Sinner and Alcaraz are operating at a level above the rest at present, Djokovic said that does not rule out other contenders. \"That\u2019s a fact, but it doesn\u2019t mean nobody else has a chance. I like my chances in any tournament, especially here in Melbourne,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Djokovic has been chasing a record-breaking 25th major for more than two years but said he is trying not to burden himself with that target. \"There\u2019s been a lot of talk about the 25th, but I try to focus on what I\u2019ve already achieved. Twenty-four is not a bad number. I have to appreciate the career I\u2019ve had and release some unnecessary pressure,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former world number one has not played a tour-level match since defeating Lorenzo Musetti in the final in Athens in early November. He withdrew from the Adelaide International earlier this month due to what he described as a minor physical setback and admitted he is no longer at his physical peak.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Djokovic has been chasing a record-breaking 25th major for more than two years but said he is trying not to burden himself with that target. \"There\u2019s been a lot of talk about the 25th, but I try to focus on what I\u2019ve already achieved. Twenty-four is not a bad number. I have to appreciate the career I\u2019ve had and release some unnecessary pressure,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Djokovic begins his Australian Open campaign on Monday against 71st-ranked Spaniard Pedro Martinez as he looks to mount another title challenge in Melbourne.<\/p>\r\n\r\n