Two-time Grand Slam champion Mark Philippoussis has tipped Djokovic to be a favorite at the 2024 Australian Open as the Serb will look to defend his title at Melbourne Park for a record-extending 11th title.
The Aussie also predicted that Djokovic will not be “slowing down” anytime soon as he highlighted the role of the team staffed by 24-time major winner. Djokovic has now clinched two more Grand Slam titles that his eternal rival Rafael Nadal and four more than Roger Federer who called time on his illustrious career at last year’s Laver Cup.
The 36-year-old came out as victor in three of the four majors this year as he won Australian Open, French Open before thwarting Daniil Medvedev in the straight sets at Flushing Meadows earlier last month for a 4th US Open title. Djokovic was just one match away from securing the coveted career slam if it was not for him losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the epic five-set Wimbledon final back in July this year which was his first lost at SW19 since 2016.
This is the fourth season of the Serbian’s career where he has went on to win at least three majors after having achieved the feat in 2011, 2015 and 2021. Djokovic is set to return at the last Masters 1000 of the season in Paris net week after competing at the Davis group stage last month.
Philippoussis declared the world No. 1 as clear favorite at his home major where the Serb has a notorious win record – 10 titles for a men’s record.
“He’s without a doubt the favorite going into the Australian Open and I don’t see him slowing down soon,” said the 46-year-old in an interview, as quoted by Yahoo Sport Australia.
“Everyone he’s got, they stay in their lane and they know what they’re good at. He expects the best. He’s got one guy that he listens to for his eating and his fitness and his strengthening.
“Then he’s got his coach on the tennis court, he’s got the other people that do other stuff for him off the court. He just focuses on what he has to do on the practice court. You know he’s going to be dialled in.”
Philippoussis, an 11-time tour titlist, reached the final of 1998 US Open but lost to compatriot Pat Rafter in the four sets. The Aussie is also a One-time finalist at the All England Club where he lost to Roger Federer in the straight sets, allowing the would-be Swiss maestro to claim his maiden Grand Slam title.
The former World #8 has worked with 2-time Australian Open finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas as coach in two installments in 2022 and 2023. He was part of the Greek’s team when he reached the final at the Melbourne Park in 2023 only to lose to the eventual champion Djokovic in straight sets.
Philippoussis, 46, suffered multiple injuries in his career and had no choice to call it a day in 2015 in Newport after losing to Eric Quigley. The biggest win of the Australian’s career came in 199 when he overcame Rafael Nadal coach and former world No. 1 Carlos Moya in five sets to seal the Indian Wells Masters.