Novak Djokovic 'always going to be favourite', can 'overcome almost anything' – Chris Evert exclusive

ByBen Snowball

Updated 08/03/2023 at 13:43 GMT

Only Serena Williams has won more Grand Slam singles titles than Novak Djokovic in the Open Era, with the Serb hoping to join the legendary American on 23 majors with victory at Roland-Garros in June. Chris Evert has no doubt that Djokovic remains the top player in the men’s game and was “in awe” of his recent triumph at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Novak Djokovic is "always going to be the favourite” and can “overcome almost anything” says 18-time Grand Slam champion and Eurosport expert Chris Evert.

The Djokovic saga took yet another twist on Monday when it was confirmed that the Serb would miss Indian Wells – and likely the Miami Open – due to his vaccination status.

It means Djokovic can effectively start preparing for the clay-court swing, where he will aim to surpass Rafael Nadal on 22 Grand Slam singles titles at Roland-Garros in June and equal Serena Williams’ Open Era record (23).

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Asked whether the latest setback would fuel Djokovic, Evert responded: “Yeah, I think the more somebody tells Novak he can't do this, the more determined he is.

“When he has control of the situation, it gives him more fuel and it makes him more determined to succeed, and stick it in everybody's face at the same time, make his point.

“He is like the anti-hero sometimes, he seems to really rise to the occasion when he is challenged and when he's told 'no'.”

Evert said Djokovic remains the undisputed top player in the men’s game, even if he only tops the ATP rankings by 380 points from Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz after missing various tournaments over the past season and a bit.

“It is an open field if Novak is not playing in the tournament. If he is playing in the tournament, he is always going to be the favourite,” said Evert.

“So even though he is not playing a full schedule because he can't because of the vaccination, I think in everybody's minds it really doesn't matter.

“He is still the No. 1 in the world. Whether he plays a full schedule or a three-quarter schedule, he is still number one in everybody's minds.”

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An emotional Djokovic kicked off his 2023 by winning the Australian Open title in January despite being hampered by a thigh complaint throughout the tournament, appearing with his left leg heavily strapped on his run to the final in Melbourne.

“I was in awe that he could play under those circumstances,” added Evert.

“The guy can overcome almost anything. He is mentally so strong and so zeroed in on his goal. It just reconfirmed how mentally tough he is to win that title.

“It is amazing. He is amazing, and that is why he is No. 1 because he has got the mental, the emotional and the skill-set.

“He has got all three of them at such a high level, higher than anybody else, that combination.”

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