Before considering Sinner, Djokovic must navigate early rounds amidst fitness concerns.

Djokovic's path begins with Pedro Martinez in the first round, followed by a potential second-round match against Terence Atmane or Francesco Maestrelli. While these opponents may not match Nole's caliber, they possess youth and vigor.

Should he advance past the initial stages, the 10-time champion is projected to meet 27th seed Brandon Nakashima in the third round and 16th seed Jakub Mensik in the fourth. Despite the perceived gap in class, both players have previously troubled Djokovic. Mensik notably defeated Nole in the Miami Open final last season via two tie-breaks.

The draw places Djokovic in the same quarterfinal bracket as 5th seed Lorenzo Musetti and 9th seed Taylor Fritz. These matchups will undoubtedly be significant tests for the Serbian player, especially given his age and declining fitness. Musetti has faced Djokovic multiple times, and despite a losing record, the Italian consistently challenges his elder with his aggressive and unpredictable style. Fritz, meanwhile, possesses a serve feared by all opponents on hard courts.

Djokovic in practice in Melbourne, Australia on 15/1. *Photo: Reuters*

Former women's world number 5 Anna Chakvetadze believes Djokovic has limited chances of winning his favored Grand Slam. According to her, being just four months shy of his 39th birthday presents a major hurdle for the Serbian legend. "Djokovic played only 13 tournaments last season, and I don't think that's enough to maintain form", the former Russian player said. "Over time, things get harder. Even an outstanding player like Nole cannot run faster as he gets older. His opponents are younger, more eager, fitter, and more explosive".

Chakvetadze acknowledged that for legends of Djokovic's stature, one should "never say never". However, she is certain that Djokovic's chances this year are slimmer than last year, when he reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams.

Nole's practice sessions in Melbourne on the mornings of 13/1 and 14/1 were incomplete, just days after his arrival in Australia. The hot weather left the Serbian player exhausted and breathless, forcing him to stop. During the second practice on 14/1, the 38-year-old star even left the court after only 12 minutes due to neck pain, making it almost impossible to serve. Djokovic had only one additional light outdoor practice yesterday, 15/1.

Before arriving in Melbourne earlier this week, Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the ATP 250 event in Adelaide, a tournament he previously won and often used as a warm-up for the year's first Grand Slam.

Vy Anh