Novak Djokovic reaches Australian Open final: 'That's what his career is about' - Tim Henman says No. 22 is key aim
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ByEurosport
Updated 27/01/2023 at 13:21 GMT
Novak Djokovic is currently one Grand Slam title behind 22-time major winner Rafael Nadal. Tim Henman believes Djokovic is more concerned about winning a 22nd Grand Slam title in his career than he is about being No. 1 in the world rankings. Ahead of Djokovic's Australian Open final showdown against Stefanos Tsitsipas, Henman says his pursuit of a 22nd Slam is "what his career is about".
'22 Grand Slams what his career is about' - Henman on Djokovic eyeing Nadal record
Winning a 22nd Grand Slam title is more important to Novak Djokovic than being ranked No. 1 in the world, says Tim Henman, as the Serb closes in on equalling Rafael Nadal's all-time record for a male player.
Djokovic booked his place in the Australian Open final after a 7-5 6-1 6-2 win over USA’s Tommy Paul on Friday and has set up a showdown with world No. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday in a repeat of the 2021 French Open final.
A 22nd Grand Slam title would pull Djokovic level with 2022 Australian Open winner Rafael Nadal, who has won more Slams than any man in tennis history.
Henman believes it is the pursuit of that accolade which is what matters most to Djokovic, who is currently No. 5 in the ATP rankings, but will rise to the top of the world with a win on Sunday.
“There’s a couple of numbers [after reaching the final],” Henman said on Eurosport.
“The 10th Australian Open title, and the scenario of getting back to number one in the rankings, but the most important is 22; that is what his career is about.
“He’s given himself another opportunity. It wasn’t the best match he’s played [against Paul], but it’s about finding a way. He sounds very ready for whatever Tsitsipas can throw at him.”
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'It did distract him' - Reaction to Djokovic discussing towels with umpire
When Djokovic was 5-1 up against Paul in the first set, he engaged in a discussion with the chair umpire around the deployment of the serve clock before he had used his towel between points.
After the discussion, Paul won four games in a row, but Djokovic was still able to close out the set in one hour. Henman thinks the towel incident distracted Djokovic.
“It was surprising because Novak was up 5-1,” he said. “It was to do with what the umpire started the shot clock. He was asking to try and understand when the umpire was going to start the clock.
“At 5-1 deuce, you’re in control of that first set, and I’m surprised that he had that type of in-depth discussion.
“It did distract him, and he lost his serve to go 5-2, losing nine points in a row. He played terribly at 5-3, with a double fault and some unforced errors.
“You thought maybe we’d have a match on our hands, but that’s where Djokovic has those gears to raise his level and race through the end of the first set.”
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'The ball kids are not allowed to give me the towel' - Djokovic in discussion with umpire
Mats Wilander believes the incident with the umpire motivated Djokovic to step up his performance in the match.
He said: “It pumped him up, that whole situation.
“He decided after being pegged back to 5-5, that he was going to win the next two games. He wanted a little bit of help from the crowd, wanting to get into Paul’s head. Suddenly, Paul couldn’t win any games. Unbelievably consistent performance.”
Laura Robson said there was nothing untoward for Djokovic to be concerned about.
“I think he’s a perfectionist," she said. "Wanting perfection 100% of the time. When it’s off that, he does get frustrated, like we saw with the towels and talking to the umpire with such a comfortable lead.
“He’s so intense in the moment, and it helps his tennis, but there are times when it’s not necessary because he’s so much better than Paul, and there’s no need to stress.
“He was probably caught up in the moment and he couldn’t help himself. It happens to all of us.”
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'I had heavy legs in the first set' - Djokovic reacts to beating Paul to reach final
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