ATP Tour news: Stefanos Tsitsipas calls Novak Djokovic the ‘gold standard’ of tennis

Tsitsipas believes that Djokovic has taken the sport forward by leaps and bounds with a holistic approach.

He feels that Djokovic has many qualities that make him an admirable athlete.

“He is the toughest and the most consistent,” Tsitsipas said.

“A perfectionist who took tennis to another level.

“His diet, his physical work, his stretching and his professionalism in every area.

“I don’t think there’s anything he hasn’t thought about. Even the analysis I’ve heard from him. Novak is very advanced.”

Tsitsipas believes that if he can learn from Djokovic, it can help him rise to world number one.

“When I put my mind to it and become more professional, even more than I am, it shouldn’t be a coincidence to be number one. I know my abilities as an athlete and how much I’ve worked,” Tsitsipas also said.

Aussie doubles legend Todd Woodbridge feels that Novak Djokovic is one of the favorites for the Australian Open in January.

Woodbridge said: “Because he didn’t get to play here last time, it gives more motivation. Rafa too [Nadal] won when Novak was not allowed to play. It’s also on his mind as he tries to match the record for most grand slams won.

“The good news is he’s playing in the Adelaide International, so he’ll be in Australia for a few weeks before the Open starts. It’ll give him time to get over the stress and tension of last year.”

“There’s going to be pressure from the media, but he’s handled it very well. He’s coming back to a country where he loves to play. He’s won the Open nine times. He loves the surface and the atmosphere. I think he’ll be very willing to win here.”

Djokovic has spoken about his Falcons teammates in the World Tennis League.

“We’re having fun, we’re enjoying ourselves and at the same time we’re competing,” former World N0 2 Paula Badosa said as she and Grigor Dimitrov beat the Hawks with strong support from Dominic Thiem and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova Djokovic on the team bench.

“It’s a good opportunity for us, it’s a great opportunity to share moments with Novak, also learn from him.”