MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic returns to next week’s Australian Open as heavy favourite and with his ominous form in stark contrast to the struggles of defending champion Rafael Nadal.
A year ago Djokovic was consumed by a legal battle over his Covid vaccination stance which he ultimately lost and was deported on the eve of the Grand Slam.
It opened the door for great rival Nadal on the Melbourne Park hardcourts, his thrilling five-set win over Daniil Medvedev in the final earning the Spaniard a record 21st major crown.
The 36-year-old made it 22 when he clinched the French Open.
Serbia’s Djokovic, who is a year younger, can draw level on 22 Grand…
