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Novak Djokovic: ready for 2018 Australian Open action

By Harry Floyd

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 11: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during the Gentlemen's Singles fourth round match against Adrian Mannarino of France on day eight of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 11, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 11: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during the Gentlemen's Singles fourth round match against Adrian Mannarino of France on day eight of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 11, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Novak Djokovic is ready to be back on the courts for the 2018 ATP World Tour. The Serbian appears in fine form as he gears up for the Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic is a six-time men’s singles champion at the Australian Open.

Half of his Grand Slam singles titles have come at Melbourne Park. With both he and Swiss great Roger Federer dominating the major tournament throughout the past decade, it comes as a relief to fans that he appears healthy. Djokovic has been dealing with an ongoing elbow injury for the better part of the last year. He is, however, in Melbourne and gearing up for play.

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News of Djokovic’s participation in the upcoming Tie Break Tens comes as former world No. 1 Andy Murray announces his undergoing hip surgery. The British No. 1 had withdrawn from both Brisbane and then the Australian Open in order to address his injury. Now, he is out until most likely the grass court season later this year.

Novak Djokovic looks to regain his stronghold on the Australian Open.

This year’s Grand Slam at Melbourne Park will provide some insight into Djokovic’s status. While he is extremely comfortable at the major tournament, the Serbian has not played much since Wimbledon.

If he is healthy enough to compete at a top level, however, Djokovic is without a doubt a favorite to take the title. Also participating in the Tie Break Tens is world No. 1 Rafael Nadal. The Spanish superstar is another top player who has been dealing with lingering injuries. His withdrawal from the ATP Finals in London after an opening match loss cast doubt on his abilities in early 2018. Fans and players alike will be watching Djokovic, Nadal, Stan Wawrinka, and others in the coming week. It goes without saying that everyone would like to see the most competitive field possible for the upcoming Grand Slam at Melbourne Park.

Next: Top 10: Men's Singles Tennis

Look for Novak Djokovic to be a favorite at the upcoming Australian Open if he proves to be healthy enough later this week. His offseason rehab, practice, and preparation have set him up to return and once again rise in the men’s singles rankings on the ATP World Tour. While Federer remains the defending champion and clearcut favorite this coming week, anyone such as Djokovic or Nadal can make a run. Stay tuned to see how the Serbian superstar and others fares at this year’s Australian Open. Check back for updates on all of the action in men’s singles tennis as the first Grand Slam of the calendar year kicks off at Melbourne Park.

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