"What are you staring at?"
Djokovic recreates Messi's situation 0:33
(CNN) --
Novak Djokovic's long absence from competitive tennis early last year after he was deported from Australia helped him "achieve some great results," he said at a news conference on Saturday before the 2023 Australian Open. .
Djokovic played just two tournaments in the first four months of 2022 due to his decision not to get vaccinated against covid-19 and, as a result, failed to comply with the travel rules of some countries that host tournaments.
However, this forced time off allowed him to spend more time training.
“As a professional tennis player at the highest level, I don't have a lot of time to have a longer training block,” Djokovic told reporters.
“We have a very long season… you have a few weeks here and there.
“The fact that I wasn't playing for several months at the beginning of last year allowed me to really meet with my team and work on my body, on my shots, which then helped me achieve great results.”
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Djokovic says deportation will stay with him for the rest of his life
Later that year, Djokovic won his fourth consecutive Wimbledon title, as well as his sixth ATP Finals victory, and began 2023 in similar fashion with a victory at the Adelaide International.
Novak Djokovic will be looking to reach 22 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open.
Credit: Graham Denholm/Getty Images
Djokovic is aiming to win a 10th Australian Open title in Melbourne and, more significantly, equal the men's record for Grand Slam titles, currently set by Rafael Nadal at 22, something that gives the 35-year-old extra motivation.
"That's why I keep playing professional tennis, competitive tennis, because I want to be the best, I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world," he said.
“You have four Slams that have historically been the biggest events in our sport.
It's also one of the main reasons I really wanted to go back to Australia: because of my record here.
I love playing at Rod Laver Arena, especially the night sessions.
I have had a lot of success that I hope can continue this year.”
Although Djokovic injured his hamstring in the Adelaide International semi-finals last week and is consequently "being a bit more cautious", he says "hopefully it's not a major concern".
“I am in very good shape,” he added.
“I finished the year in the best possible way and continued that way in Adelaide.
I like the way I played there.
I beat some really good players, especially in the last few games of the tournament.
“I like my chances.
I always like my chances."
Djokovic will begin his campaign at the Australian Open against Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena on January 17.
Australian Open Novak Djokovic