Tennis: Novak Djokovic to play at Australian Open

Former world number one Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will play at the upcoming Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, even though he is not very optimistic regarding his level of fitness. He returned to action after six months on the sidelines due to an elbow injury with a 6-1 6-4 victory over Dominic Thiem in an exhibition tournament. That was the first match for Djokovic since last year's Wimbledon tournament and the 30-year-old Serbian player said that he was satisfied with how he played. About the Australian Open, Djokovic said: "For now, I'm in the tournament. There was a doubt, especially after I pulled out of the first week of the year. I don't say I'm at 100%, I can only say that when I get the feel of a tournament. Ideally I would have had another tournament before the start of the Open, but it was not meant to be." Djokovic is particularly worried about the possibility of playing five-set matches at the Australian Open, such long battles might be too much for him at the moment. Novak Djokovic has dropped to 14th position in the world rankings following his long spell on the sidelines. He was supposed to play in the Abu Dhabi exhibition tournament last week but he pulled out of the event. Djokovic has won six titles at the Australian Open during his career and twelve Grand Slam titles overall. Other high-profile players will miss the Australian Open: Andy Murray has already announced his withdrawal from the tournament and Kei Nishikori will also be unable to participate. Novak Djokovic is 5/1 at Bet365 to win the Australian Open, while Roger Federer is the top favourite at 7/4.