World No.1 Novak Djokovic is keen to have a blast in Perth as he puts the gears in motion for his Australian Open title defence.
Djokovic landed in Perth on Thursday afternoon ahead of the mixed-teams United Cup, which starts on Friday.
Serbia will take on China and the Czech Republic in the group stage, with Djokovic set to face world No.58 Zhizhen Zhang and world No.31 Jiri Lehecka in his men's singles matches.
Djokovic will carry the load for Serbia in Perth, but it's the Australian Open that is the main prize this summer.
The 36-year-old won three grand slams in 2023, including a famous victory at the Australian Open.
That success came just a year after he was deported from Australia for refusing to have the COVID-19 vaccine.
Djokovic recently expressed his desire to emulate NFL star Tom Brady by playing into his 40s.
It means his current trip to Australia is by no means a farewell.
"I hope it's not (the) last (time), to be honest. I mean I always look forward coming back to Australia," Djokovic said.
"I always felt like I played my best tennis over the years (here) and had great support."
Djokovic last visited Perth in 2013 when he played at the Hopman Cup.
The veteran was a big fan of that event, and he's happy to be back in Perth.
“It feels great, it’s been a while since I was here last,” Djokovic said.
"I remember every single time I played in Perth it was great attendance, people love tennis, people love sport in Australia in general.
"So I don't expect anything less this time, and I'm sure it's going to be a blast for all of us.
“Representing Serbia is the greatest honour and pride, so hopefully we can have a packed house and a lot of people coming to watch our matches."
Djokovic will visit Rottnest Island on Friday for the obligatory quokka selfies.
But he won't be taking the United Cup lightly, with Djokovic keen to adapt to the Australian heat as quickly as possible before the first major of the year.
"(It's) a hot Australian summer always, but we've been trying to prepare in the Middle East for that," Djokovic said.
"I'm going to take a couple of days of training and hopefully get on my desired level very soon."
Djokovic will team up with world No.119 Olga Danilovic at the United Cup.
Given Danilovic's lowly ranking, Serbia's hopes of making a deep run rests largely on Djokovic's shoulders.
After facing China on Sunday night, Serbia will take on the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
