Novak Djokovic misfired on a pair of slam dunk attempts as well as on his attempt to turn cricket batsman as part of ‘A Night with Novak and Friends’ at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday.
DRAW: Australian Open 2024 men’s singles
But with a tennis racquet in his hands, Djokovic rarely stutters inside the Australian Open’s biggest arena.
The Serb has stated that if he could choose the ideal conditions to play a match at a Grand Slam, a night session at Rod Laver Arena sits right at the top.
And no wonder, with 10 titles comprising almost half of his Grand Slam haul of 24.
A wrist injury that surfaced in a loss to Sydney native Alex de Minaur during the United Cup earlier in January hampered his AO 24 preparations but the 36-year-old attempting those dunks — he made one, of course, during the charity event — suggested the wrist feels better.
The world No.1 confirmed as much when he addressed reporters ahead of Sunday’s start in the night session against 18-year-old qualifier Dino Prizmic, a Croatian junior Grand Slam winner who idolises Djokovic.
“My wrist is good,” said Djokovic. “I had time from the last match against de Minaur in the United Cup to my first match here to recover. I've been training well. Practice sessions pain free so far. It's good. It's all looking good. Let's see how it goes.
Managing injuries suffered either just before the Australian Open or during it are nothing new for the evergreen (squared) Djokovic.
Last year, he hurt his hamstring in Adelaide and in 2021, an abdominal tear arose in the third round at Melbourne Park against Taylor Fritz.
Both times, Djokovic proceeded to win the title, only conceding one set 12 months ago.
“It's not as bad as some other injuries I had here,” he said. “2021 and last year I had worse injuries that I had to deal with.
“I can't predict whether it's going to come back. Once I start playing more matches, stress levels go higher. I don't know. We have to find out.”
If he is unfortunately familiar dealing with health issues around this time, he is familiar, too, with his environs.
Djokovic avoids hibernating during the fortnight, visiting some of his usual nature spots close to Melbourne Park.
“I'm not superstitious,” he said. “I do obviously like to visit certain places that have brought me luck and make me feel good. For example, the botanical gardens just nearby, it's a wonderful park where I like to spend time and just be by myself in nature, just grounding, hugging trees, climbing trees and stuff.
“I love to do that. I've done that for the last 15 years.
“Whether that's the secret of success here in Australia or not, I don't know, but it has definitely made me feel good.
“I like to obviously have a walk by the beach or jog if I can do that. I've been staying in different places. Mostly South Yarra. I like that more than the city because it's a bit more quiet,” he added, referring to the suburb just a stone’s throw away from the tennis grounds.
“Obviously, during the Grand Slams you have lots of challenges, mental, physical, emotional. There's a lot of activities happening even on the days when you don't have matches.
“It's good to have places where you can just rewind, relax, rejuvenate and kind of gather all the necessary energy for the next day.”
The Australian Open again marks the launchpad for what could be another seismic year for Djokovic, who landed three of the four majors in two of the last three seasons.
Winning that elusive Olympic gold at Roland-Garros in August also occupies his thoughts.
“I'm just hoping I can start the season in a way that I have been starting my seasons, most of my seasons, throughout my career — with a win here in Australia, in Melbourne,” said Djokovic.
“My favourite place, no doubt. The court where I've done great things and achieved my greatest Grand Slam results.
“Let's see how it goes,” he continued. “The season is so long. We have an Olympic year. Grand Slams, Olympics, those are the big goals. I have to see how it goes here and think about everything else when it comes around the corner.”