Exclusive: Casper Ruud on Novak Djokovic feeling pressure at Australian Open 2023 - 'Let's see how he deals with it'
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Updated 13/01/2023 at 18:09 GMT
Novak Djokovic is the "closest that you can get to a robot" in terms of his consistency, but while he is the clear favourite to win the Australian Open yet again, Casper Ruud believes that it will be a severe test of the nine-time champion's ability to deal with pressure. Speaking on the latest episode of 'Ruud Talk', he explained what Djokovic will have to cope with Down Under.
'He is human as well' - Ruud on Djokovic domination ahead of Australian Open
Casper Ruud has shared his thoughts on Novak Djokovic's chances of securing what would be a sensational 10th triumph at the Australian Open this month.
Speaking with Eurosport's Barbara Schett in the latest episode of 'Ruud Talk', the 24-year-old gave his views on Djokovic returning to Australia with his ambition of both reaching double-figures at Melbourne Park and also equalling the 22 Grand Slam singles titles won by his great rival, Rafael Nadal, in the process.
Ruud, who has his own target of at least bettering his fourth-round finish at the opening Grand Slam of the season achieved in 2021, said that the Serb is the "favourite" and the "closest that you can get to a robot" in terms of his consistency. But he also made it clear that the pressure he will be under this month should not be underestimated.
"It’s a big number!" Ruud said when Schett brought up the landmark Djokovic is seeking to achieve.
"Let's see how he deals with it because it's something, to get to 10, I can only imagine and it's something to actually tie the record of Rafa, so there's a lot at stake.
"He has not been a guy known for choking, to put it this way, or letting these things get into his head, but I think it's a different situation chasing a record, and actually setting and tying a record could be different."
Despite the fact that Nadal is the top seed and world No. 2, Ruud was sure that it is actually Djokovic who should be regarded as the front-runner to triumph in Melbourne. However, he also pointed out that other players have the pedigree to upset the 35-year-old.
"He is the favourite but there are other players that have the potential to beat him, to win," he said.
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Novak Djokovic
Image credit: Getty Images
"He has shown himself to be somewhat not human Down Under lately in previous years. But you know, at the end of last year, he did lose a couple of matches - at the Laver Cup he lost to Felix [Auger-Aliassime] and in Bercy, he lost to Holger [Rune].
"He is human as well. We are not all robots, but at times he is the closest that you can get to a robot, I think.
"So let's see if the younger generation can try to push him a little bit this year because that would be motivating for the younger guys. If you can deal with Novak and play well with him at the Australian Open, it would mean that you're doing something right."
Ruud will begin the Australian Open aiming to make a big impact at the tournament having yet to reach the quarter-finals in the past. He enjoyed a 2022 to remember after reaching two Grand Slam finals - at Roland-Garros and the US Open.
The Australian Open main draw will get underway at Melbourne Park on January 16 with the men's final bringing the tournament to a close on January 29.
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