Novak Djokovic is a “mutant”, says Alize Cornet, considers herself lucky to live in the era of Federer, Nadal and the Serb

French tennis player Alize Cornet praised Novak Djokovic and applauded him for his 2023 Australian Open title, stating that she was lucky to witness such incredible talent.

Winning his 22nd Grand Slam title in Melbourne, Djokovic is now tied with Rafael Nadal for most number of men’s Grand Slam singles titles. The World No.1 defeated third seed Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) at Melbourne Park in two hours and 56 minutes. He has now won an astonishing 28 consecutive Australian Open matches, boasting an impeccable 20-0 record in the semi-finals and finals. This remarkable feat marks the World No.1's 93rd ATP singles title, cementing his place as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

Alize Cornet was in awe of Djokovic’s performance in the final. Cornet believes that the 22-time Grand Slam winner is from a whole other planet and considers herself lucky to be living in the same era as the Big 3.

“I followed the final with great interest as a great tennis fan that I am. Novak Djokovic is a mutant, you realize more when you are a tennis player. He comes from another planet and I am happy to live in this incredible era of tennis with Roger, Novak and Rafa,” Cornet said according to Eurosport.

The former World No.11 wants the 35-year-old to play against Rafael Nadal to fight for their tie-breaking major title.

“I hope Rafa can fight Djokovic for the 23rd Grand Slam. That would be awesome,” she said.

The trio of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and the current World No.1 have all completed the Career Grand Slam by winning all four Grand Slams at least once. The Serb is the only player in history to hold all four Major titles at once across three different surfaces.

Novak Djokovic to miss ATP 1000 event at Indian Wells and Miami

Indian Wells 2019

Novak Djokovic will miss out on the ATP 1000 events at Indian Wells and Miami due to not being vaccinated against COVID-19.

According to the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) regulations, non-U.S. citizens are required to be fully vaccinated to travel to the United States. United States President Joe Biden has confirmed that the country’s state of national emergency for public health in response to COVID-19 will finally be lifted after May 10, 2023.

This deadline allows the Serb to make his US Open return in September. Due to his refusal to take the vaccine, however, the World No.1 will have to withdraw from both the ATP 1000 tournaments.

Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas stated his desire for the 22-time Grand Slam winner to play in the tournament.

“It would be nice to see if we could maybe lift those (restrictions) a little earlier and have him come to play Indian Wells and Miami,” he said.