McNamee on Djokovic’s Australian Open return: “Certainly adds gravy and gravitas to the whole thing”

Former tournament director of the Australian Open Paul McNamee hopes that Djokovic will win the 10th one this year as he proved himself a person of principle this year.

McNamee is a fan of Djokovic and he's followed him keenly over the past few years. The Australian served as the tournament director of the Australian Open until 2006 and he'd like to see Djokovic win the 2023 edition which would give him his 10th.

McNamee explained how Djokovic provided himself as a person of principle this year and his return to Melbourne will make the event much better:

“He was the best player going in [last summer] and, on form, he is still the best player, especially on hard court, so he deserves to be favourite. I think winning 10 has a special ring to it. The only other man who’s won 10 [at a grand slam event] is Rafa at the French, so I think he’ll be going hard to get a 10th Australian Open, especially after last year."

He added:

"I’m hoping he can get it. For me, he’s a person of principle. Not everyone agrees with what his position is, but he stands by his word and missed two grand slams this year. That’s a lot to miss when you’re one off winning the most grand slams, so I respect it and I hope he is well received.”

McNamee concluded with:

“Novak certainly adds gravy and gravitas to the whole thing.”