'Novak Djokovic is capable of winning 15 Australian Open titles,' says Sania Mirza

Novak Djokovic claimed the first Australian Open title in 2008, three years after making the Melbourne Park debut. Since 2011, the Serb became the most successful player at the season's opening Major, winning nine titles in the previous 14 events and writing history books. After a couple of tough years in Melbourne in 2017 and 2018, Novak restored the order in 2019 and claimed three consecutive titles to leave Roger Federer and other notable Australian Open champions far behind. Struggling with an abdomen injury, Novak had to work hard against Taylor Fritz, Milos Raonic and Alexander Zverev, overcoming all the obstacles and reaching the semi-final to gather a boost. Never losing a match in Melbourne following the quarter-final stage, Djokovic defeated Aslan Karatsev and Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to secure the ninth Australian Open crown and claim his 18th Major.

In the title clash, Novak toppled Daniil 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 in under two hours, emerging at the top in the opening set and playing on a high level in sets two and three to race over the finish line. Since 2011, Novak has been the world's most consistent player, reducing the gap to Federer and Nadal and securing his place among the greatest players of all time.

Sania Mirza praised Novak Djokovic's Australian Open performance.

The Indian doubles legend Sania Mirza praised Djokovic and his accomplishments, putting him right up there with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the GOAT race. In Sania's opinion, Novak can win 15 Melbourne crowns if he stays healthy and motivated to play long enough.

"People are talking about Federer and Nadal all the time, and some of them are forgetting about Novak Djokovic. Then, Novak reminds them that he has won 18 Major titles while being much younger than Federer. He has been the world's leading player for a while now; he is incredibly consistent. Novak has won nine Australian Open crowns; he could even win 15 by the retirement, depending on how much he would play. It's a fact that Novak should win more Majors; he is incredibly well-prepared and has been playing at his pick for a couple of years," Sania Mirza said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3bz60dN