'I feel like at home in Australia, can't wait to see crowd again,' says Novak Djokovic

The 17-time Major winner Novak Djokovic is ready for another Aussie swing, feeling like at home in Australia and chasing the ATP Cup and the Australian Open title defense.

Novak is grateful for having the crowd in the stands after so many months, drawing energy and positive vibes from them and feeling exciting about the new season. The Serb called Rod Laver Arena the most successful court of his career, preparing for another strong run at Melbourne Park and seeking the 18th Major trophy, the ninth Down Under. Novak will start the season against Denis Shapovalov on February 2.

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"I had goosebumps coming into the court playing in front of the fans again after 12 months of not experiencing that. After playing professional tennis for more than 15 years, this is one of the biggest driving forces or motivations, inspirations that I have: playing in front of a crowd, feeding off that energy, exchanging that great passion and joy that I have for the sport and the fans have for the sport. I'm grateful, as I think most of us here in Australia, that we have an opportunity to practice and play and compete in the sport that we love.

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We are all excited to be here. It does feel like a home for me in Australia, in Melbourne, particularly at Rod Laver Arena. That is by far my most successful tennis court in my career. Each year that I come back to the court, it feels even better. The more you win on the court, the more confident you feel coming back to it," Novak Djokovic said.