"Having too much crowd at a tennis tournament is a very good problem to have" - Djokovic jumps on the Eala hype train while confirming why 24-time major champion still needs a coach

Novak Djokovic has completed everything the game has to offer yet still continues with the drive and motivation only a champion would do. He racked up a 101st win in the tournament after bypassing Francesco Maestrelli in three sets.

After the win he admitted that it was not as good as performance as the one in his demolishment of Pedro Martinez, but the feeling was overwhelmingly positive.

"Actually, it’s the same scoreline, so a kind of similar feeling on the court—generally positive. I served better in the first match," he began. "It did feel like two completely different tournaments, playing at night versus during the day, particularly with the wind. I think it’s been blowing this year more than any other year I’ve played here in Australia. Obviously, you have to adjust to that and adapt to a different opponent with a big serve. Overall, it’s good. I’m pleased with the way I’m moving and hitting the ball. I’m looking forward to the next one."

After skipping the ATP Finals in Turin, Djokovic called it a day much earlier than most of his rivals. It seems that he has utilised this time well, looking to take those next steps in becoming back to his competitive best.

"I always try to work with purpose," he said. "I had a longer off-season—this one and the one before—and when I have more time, I try to look at my game and identify different elements I can really improve. Otherwise, what’s the point?

At his age, there is not much tennis left, which makes him want to get every last bit of effort out while he still can. "What’s the point of competing and coming out year after year without really trying to be better than you were the season before? That’s the mentality I try to nurture, and it’s been allowing me to still play at the highest level at this age."

So far, so good. "I’m glad it’s paying off, the work I’ve done in the off-season. But it’s just the beginning of the tournament," he openly acknowledged. "I haven’t played any lead-up events, so I’m really happy with how I’m playing considering the lack of competitive matches for more than two months. So far, it’s been all positive signs, but I obviously have to keep it up."

As the years go by, there are becoming more content creators from the sporting world, and that includes tennis, take for example Ben Shelton and his YouTube channel. For Djokovic, he sees no problem, as he pinpoints how many people watch these type of videos daily on different platforms.

"I don’t see anything wrong with that," he cleared up. "We’re living in a world today where digital media is the primary way communication and branding happen—pretty much exclusively through social media and online channels. Most of the civilized world, people who can afford to have a mobile phone with them at all times, consume information this way. That’s how you connect with people now."

Some people are happy to show more of their private lives, while some keep it under wraps. "Everyone has a different opinion on where the line is—how much you want to open the doors not just to your professional life, but your private life as well," Djokovic stated. "That’s very individual."

At the end of the day, he was not going to judge anyone from taking up this option. "I don’t judge. Everyone has their own preferences. But yes, the way to reach people today is definitely through the internet."

Djokovic, with his vast experience and knowledge of the sport, can have an argument to go solo if he wants to. Nevertheless, no matter how good you are there is always benefit in having a supportive team around you.

"I think you always need at least one pair of eyes on the side of the court—if not two or three—people who know tennis, who have different expertise and different perspectives on your game and your opponent’s game," Djokovic said.

He went on to explain how much coaches help players in the sport, from the obvious things to behind the scenes. "Coaching contributes not only to technical observation—movement, biomechanics, execution—but also to how you feel and how you manage your emotions day to day. It’s more than just shot-making. You’re an individual athlete. There’s no substitution. Nobody can replace you if you’re having a bad day. You still have to find a way."

For the Serbian, they are very usefuul company. "The coaching team, physio team, and fitness team are there to provide support, help you excel, and find solutions—especially during matches when you’re overwhelmed and can’t always think clearly. That guidance can be very helpful."

There has been a problem at Melbourne Park which involves too many people coming to this year's event, with the concern of overcrowding. In Djokovic's eyes, this is a fabulous headache to have.

"Having too much crowd at a tennis tournament is a very good problem to have," he pronouned. "There are much worse problems. Every tournament wants record-breaking attendance and ticket sales, and that’s what I’ve been hearing for most slams and tournaments in recent years. It’s a good sign. We want more attention, more people watching tennis live, following it, livestreaming it."

A lot of the crowd talk has been discussed around the vastly popular Alexandra Eala. While well-liked around the world, the support she gets from her home country of the Philippines is huge, with her being a trailblazer for the sport in her country.

Djokovic is full on board with this. "That’s understandable. You have players coming from certain countries—Alexandra Eala from the Philippines, for example—where she’s the biggest tennis player that country has ever had," he said. "It’s a big country and there’s a lot of interest."

He even questions whether she should have been put on a bigger court. "You could argue it was a scheduling issue and maybe she could have been put on a bigger court, but she’s very young and just coming through. In the first rounds, the schedule is packed with big names on the main courts. It’s not easy to manage."

He echoes his quotes beforehand. "But again, it’s a good problem to have. Imagine the opposite—empty stands and no interest. That would be a much bigger issue. This is great."