Djoko expects to struggle afresh against Nadal

Novak Djokovic remains under absolutely no illusions that returning Spanish rival Rafael Nadal will be in it to win it when the 37-year-old comes back to tennis after nearly a year away.

Nadal will headline at the ATP Brisbane tournament starting on New Year’s Eve after last competing at the Australian Open second round before being sidelined with abdominal and knee injuries which required surgery.

But the Serb world No. 1 is convinced his longtime nemesis will be a threat almost from the start when he steps back onto a court:

“I always expect him to play at his best, to be honest,” Djokovic said before leaving a richly rewarded post-Christmas exhibition event and flying to Perth for the second edition of the United Cup.

Many times, (fans) have (written him off); they’ve done that with me as well. But we’ve proved them wrong.”

The 36-year-old added: ” Rafa’s not the kind of player that will come back to the tour just to play on a medium level, play a few matches.
“
He wants to win titles, he wants to be the best, that’s why he is who he is – a legend of our sport.

“I’m sure that his training & preparation is done with an intention to win a Grand Slam.”