Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after losing a point during his men's singles semi-final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai October 11, 2014. REUTERS/Aly Song
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after losing a point during his men's singles semi-final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai October 11, 2014. Reuters

World no. 1 Novak Djokovic played down rumours about his fitness ahead of the 2015 Australian Open, which will start tomorrow in Melbourne. Djokovic postponed his pre-tournament press conference because of an unidentified illness but resumed his training on Sunday and declared that he is fit to play for the first Grand Slam tournament of the year.

"I had a tough couple of days but it's all behind me now. I'm ready for the Open," the Serbian said. When asked what he had been suffering from, the 27-year-old said that it is a little bit with the flu and stomach issues, which started from the Middle East. However, he went on to explain that he is already better.

In the exhibition event in Abu Dhabi, Djokovic was unable to play with British no. 1 Andy Murray due to an illness but he eventually reached the quarterfinals in Doha. On Tuesday, the 7-time Grand Slam champion will face Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia.

Both Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer aim for their fifth Australian Open title in the upcoming tournament. Whoever wins the first Grand Slam of the year, he will be the second man in history to win five or more Australian Open titles.

Jack Crawford, Ken Rosewall, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have all won the title four times, with Rory Emerson, the six-time Australian Open title and the only tennis player to win more than five.

According to the Djokovic, there are a lot of contenders to the Australian Open title but he is confident that he can go that far. On the other hand, Federer, who is chasing his 18th Grand Slam title, claimed that he is serving more consistent now and he is stronger than ever.

Meanwhile, women's no. 1, Serena Williams, who is tied with Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert with 18 Grand Slam titles, is hoping to take home her 19th at the upcoming tournament. Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova all have the chance to be the world no. 1 if they come victorious at the Australian Open.

To reach the author of this article e-mail d.ramos@ibtimes.com.au

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