"He’s almost superhuman": Jennifer Capriati lauds inspirational Novak Djokovic on surprise return to Australian Open
WTASaturday, 31 January 2026 at 14:30
More than two decades after last competing at Melbourne Park, Jennifer Capriati has returned to the Australian Open — and even for a Hall of Famer, the moment feels overwhelming.
Speaking on TC Live during the 2026 Australian Open, Capriati reflected on her history with the tournament, her defining victories, the evolution of the women’s game and her admiration for Novak Djokovic, as she prepares to present the trophy following the women’s final.
“It’s taken a bit, right? Too long,” Capriati said with a smile. “It’s surreal. I actually feel really surreal to be back here. Everything looks totally different. I’m totally overwhelmed with how unbelievable the transformation is.”
A perfect fit in Melbourne
Few players have been as naturally suited to Melbourne Park as Capriati, who won back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2001 and 2002. Watching footage of her first Grand Slam triumph brought back powerful memories.
“I always loved playing here,” she said. “It just suited my game. Everything was perfect — the conditions. I think the year before, in 2000, I’d gotten close. I think I lost in the semi-finals. But in 2001, I was ready — as ready as I’d ever felt — and everything really clicked for me.”
While her first title marked a long-awaited breakthrough, it was the second that truly defined her resilience. The 2002 final against Martina Hingis, played in searing heat, remains one of the most dramatic comebacks in Australian Open history.
“It was crazy,” Capriati recalled. “The heat was intense. I probably don’t even remember the match points. Maybe I was so exhausted from the heat that I was honestly too tired to be nervous, and I just went for it.”
Olympic gold at 16
Beyond Grand Slam success, Capriati’s career includes one of the most remarkable Olympic achievements in tennis history. At just 16 years old, she captured gold at the 1992 Barcelona Games, defeating Steffi Graf in the final.
“That was one of the most exciting things — the Olympics, and who I beat in the final too,” she said. “Playing for my country, the team environment — I was so motivated. That was one of the most special wins of my career.”
The atmosphere, she explained, was unlike anything else she experienced in tennis.
“It was so motivational. I felt this tremendous will to win. You had all these different athletes from different sports cheering. It felt like so much more — it wasn’t just about me. I was representing the U.S., so I really played my best tennis.”
Capriati added with a laugh: “I guess I have a pretty good track record in big finals — I just need to get to the finals, right?”
A Hall of Famer watching history continue
Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the age of 36, Capriati now watches a new generation push boundaries — none more so than Novak Djokovic, who at 38 continues to defy time.
“I didn’t get to see the match, but I’m amazed,” she said after Djokovic’s latest major victory. “Seeing him still playing finals — it’s unbelievable. He’s almost superhuman. Such an inspiration for everyone, and the physicality he’s brought. He’s still going strong — he’s just right there.”
Power tennis and evolution
Capriati is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of power tennis in the women’s game, helping usher in a more aggressive, early-ball style that now dominates the tour.
“I think there were a few of us at the start of that,” she said. “Monica and I were among the first ones. It was the beginning of the evolution — taking the ball early, big serving.”
While proud of that legacy, she also notes how the game has shifted.
“Now it’s progressed so much that a bit of the variety has gone out of the game. It’s mostly power tennis. It might be good to bring some of that style back, but it’s hard to go up against these big ball bashers.”
Gratitude, reflection and coming full circle
With more than 20 years of distance from her playing career, returning to Melbourne has given Capriati a deeper sense of appreciation for what she achieved.
“I have so much gratitude,” she said. “I’ve had 20 years to reflect on it, and it’s just great to be back. I’m really honoured to be here.”
Reconnecting with former rivals and champions has only added to that feeling.
“I hope to see more and more of it,” she added. “I came a little late in the tournament, but it’s great to catch up, see everyone again, and be part of it again.”
Now back at Melbourne Park — this time as a presenter rather than a competitor — Capriati’s presence is a reminder of an era that helped shape the modern women’s game, and of a champion whose impact continues to be felt long after her final match.
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- Liars! Liars! She lives in Russia god damn it! Russsssssia!!!!!
- MEDICAL TIME OUTS SHOULD TO BE ABOLISHED IN THE SPORT OF TENNIS. BECAUSE IT IS MAINLY BEING USED AS A FORM OF CHEATING. THERE ISN'T ANYTHING WRONG WITH A PLAYER WHEN AFTER A TIMEOUT, HE OR SHE IS STILL RUNNING ALL OVER THE COURT AND SERVING ACES. IF SOMEONE IS HURT, THAT MEANS THEY CANNOT CONTINUE. THEREFORE, THE MATCH SHOULD BE FORFEITED. TENNIS IS FULL OF POLITICAL CORRUPTION.
- Pegula will never beat any of the top players, in a Slam final, because the draw riggers have no confidence that she can even play tennis. Which is the reason why every tournament, her entire draw consist of opponents from the KIDDIE department. Just like Iga, Sabalenka, and some of the other tops on tour, they consistenly get hard draws, which helps them get better. When someone has to cheat to help you, it only weakens you as a players. Because you do not know what part of your game needs improvement.
- Those Doping Agents are controlled by the American Government. It an American players test is hot, they are going to sweep it under the carpet.
- Djokovic is the GOAT. He has the most Slams. Simple as that.
- "It’s difficult to say we don’t agree” Correction: It’s difficult to say [ I ] don’t agree. While she is an intelligent and well educated person, she may not be all that aware of certain character flaws. Perhaps a psychologist or ten might be of some help?
- Sabalenka should ignore that nonsense and continue doing what she does. The sport of tennis has been corrupted by the American government. And America is the most racist country on earth. It is clear that some players are being targeted for discrimination based on their nationality. Screaming hasn't just start in tennis. Sharapova, Serena, etc. always did scream and nothing was said. You cannot control ignorance.
- If she wants privacy, then she should quit tennis. The same thing happened to Sabalenka at the US Open after she loss the final, and no one was talking about privacy. Instead they criticized Sabalenka. Anyone who knows Gauff is well aware that she is a sore loser and cannot control her anger after a loss. You cannot tell someone where to place their cameras. She needs to separate herself from her parents and GROW UP. She is 21 years old.
- Coco is a sore loser. She does that all the time. At least now, she goes behind closed doors, instead of interrupting the matches with her meltdown. The same thing happened to Sabalenka at the US Open. The only difference is, Sabalenka knows how to handle things like an adult. Gauff on the other hand needs to GROW UP. She is 21 and she needs to act like it. There is no way you can play a sport and cannot stand to lose.
- No one is interested in seeing her. She is not going to do anything but cheat a younger player out of a wildcard and lose in the first round. If their lives is that miserable and they want to return, let them go thru qualifications like everyone else.
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