Australian Open boss Craig Tiley has confirmed plans to build a statue of Novak Djokovic at Melbourne Park to honor the Serbian tennis star’s incredible achievements at the tournament. Djokovic, who has won a record 10 Australian Open titles, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever compete at the event.
Despite being forced to withdraw from this year’s semi-final against Alexander Zverev due to a torn muscle, Djokovic’s legacy in Melbourne remains unparalleled. Tiley expressed his intention to create a tennis precinct filled with statues celebrating legends of the sport, with Djokovic being a prime candidate for the next addition.
Speaking to News Corp, Tiley shared his vision: “I’d like to have a whole precinct full of statues of the great tennis players. Every year we put up a new statue of an Australian, and this precinct is about tennis, it was built with tennis in mind. We have so many people that come here from right around the world… and I think there is more we can offer those fans from the tennis precinct.”
Tiley acknowledged Djokovic’s dominance at the Australian Open, stating that it would be a “no-brainer” to include a statue of the Serbian star: “I mean, he’s won this event 10 times, and I still think he can win it again. I think any time we can recognize tennis or the champions of the game, I’m going to go for it.”
He also mentioned other tennis legends like Roger Federer and Serena Williams as potential candidates for statues to celebrate their contributions to the sport.
Although Djokovic reached the semi-finals this year, his time in Melbourne was not without controversy. He engaged in a public spat with broadcaster Channel Nine’s Tony Jones over comments Djokovic found “insulting and offensive.” Additionally, his withdrawal from the match against Zverev was met with boos from the crowd, leading Djokovic to question whether he would return to Melbourne in the future.
When asked if this year’s tournament might be his last appearance in Australia, Djokovic said: “I don’t know. There is a chance. Who knows? I’ll just have to see how the season goes.” However, he also expressed his fondness for the tournament, stating: “I’ve had the biggest success in my career here… If I’m fit, healthy, motivated, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come, but there’s always a chance [it is the last time].”
Djokovic’s potential statue would serve as a lasting tribute to his unmatched success at the Australian Open, solidifying his place in tennis history at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
