The 24-time Grand Slam champion has recovered from injury faster than expected and is eager to return to competition. His run at Melbourne Park ended in an atrocious mockery, but the level shown by Novak in the Happy Slam – with particular reference to the victory over Carlitos Alcaraz – leads to optimism for the future.

Express Sport tennis fans also gave Emma Raducanu a brutal blow after the 22-year-old lost three matches in a row. Raducanu crashed out in the third round of the Australian Open and has since suffered back-to-back first-round exits in Singapore and Abu Dhabi.

Andy Murray is reportedly set to continue his partnership with Novak Djokovic, despite British star Emma Raducanu still seeking a new coach.