Novak, the nature-loving tree hugger

When you visit a great city like Melbourne, it can’t be all about business.

That’s especially true for Australian Open competitors, who have every second day off. Novak Djokovic is no exception, even as he readies for his 19th appearance at the year's first major.

“I do obviously like to visit certain places that have brought me luck and make me feel good,” Djokovic said about his routines in the iconic Victorian capital city in his pre-tournament press conference Saturday. “For example, 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. So I've done that for the last 15 years.

“Whether that's a secret of success here in Australia or not, I don't know, but it has definitely made me feel good (smiling)… I like to obviously have a walk by the beach or jog if I can do that.”

Djokovic added that he frequently makes his base in South Yarra, less than a 15-minute drive south east of Melbourne Park, preferring the relative quiet to what’s on offer in the city or at Southbank, where many players stay. That’s all part of the plan to unwind from the stress of competition on days off.

This year he’ll get more down time than normal. For the first time the Australian Open is starting on Sunday. The Serbian plays the first night match on Rod Laver Arena and barring an unexpected first-round loss, he’ll have two days rest before taking the court again on Wednesday.

“Obviously during the Grand Slams you have lots of challenges, mental, physical, emotional,” said Djokovic, who faces a two-pronged challenge for his No. 1 mantle in Melbourne from Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev. “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.

“I like to isolate a bit more. In a place like New York, for example, I stay in New Jersey. I stay with my friend where I'm in complete nature, isolation. It just allows me to relax and recharge. I like that kind of balance because Grand Slams are completely different kind of energy, vibe tournaments than any other event that we have on the tour."

Djokovic comes into this year’s Australian Open riding a 28-match winning streak at the event and in pursuit of a record-extending 11th title at the year’s first major. He played three matches at the United Cup in Perth in the first week of the season, beating Zhang Zhizhen in straight sets, Jiri Lehecka in three sets and falling to Alex de Minaur in straight sets.

He is under pressure to remain World No. 1. Come Sunday Carlos Alcaraz will be just 200 points behind the 35-year-old in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings, Daniil Medvedev could also return to No. 1 if he wins the title and neither Djokovic or Alcaraz reach the semi-finals.

The seven-time Nitto ATP Finals champion received treatment on his right wrist during his time in Perth, but he is no stranger to overcoming physical adversity on the way to the title in Melbourne. After clinching last year’s title it was revealed that he had a 3cm tear in his left hamstring. In 2021 he played with a tear in a stomach muscle.

“My wrist is good,” Djokovic said. “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…

“It's not as bad as some other injuries I had here. 2021 and last year I had worse injuries that I had to deal with. So, yeah, I mean, 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.”

Djokovic will chase his 90th match win at the Australian Open Sunday night when he plays 18-year-old Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic.