Novak Djokovic’s season has started with important victories, which give him confidence. First the success in doubles with Nick Kyrgios and then the one in singles against Rinky Hijikata, at the Brisbane International.

In both cases, the Serbian champion stood out for an important progression in service, managing to get out of uncomfortable situations without having to enter the rallies. This is precisely the aspect that made him most proud after the winning debut in Brisbane.

The goal, obviously, is to show up in Melbourne in top form to dream of the 25th Slam of his career in the Major in which he has already triumphed ten times.

“Of course doubles is something different. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to play with Kyrgios when he comes back. I’m looking forward to tomorrow for the next match with him. As for the singles match, Hijikata raised the level after the initial 0-3. I think I started well and maintained the level throughout the match, except for a few moments. I had some drops, but I served really well. From 3-3, my game improved, so I got two breaks in a row and closed the match,” Djokovic said in a press conference.

“My serve has been great in both doubles and singles. I’m working on it and it’s nice to see that I can win one or two free points in every game. It helps a lot on a surface like this. The goal? I want to go as far as I can in this tournament. I know that people pay for tickets to see me compete at my best. It’s true that the big goal is Melbourne. I want to try to perfect my shots and be in the best shape for the first match of the Australian Open,” he added.

Working on the details, despite the many years spent on Tour, is one of the secrets of his longevity.

“I’m not aiming to completely transform my game, but I’m definitely trying to improve. These are things that people don’t necessarily see: my positioning on the court, my transition game, my tactics. I want to prepare myself to compete, no matter what, against the younger players,” explained the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

And I’m convinced that Djokovic can do it. Revitalized by weeks of rest, he can dazzle his young direct opponents like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. With Andy Murray as a plus in his team, the dream of a triumph at the Happy Slam is not a utopia, but it can become reality. Even at almost 38 years old, if Nole were to arrive in Melbourne fresh physically and back on top mentally, his young rivals are warned.